Absorbent articles with frangible pathways with opening facilitation features

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles comprise a first belt and a second belt with frangible pathways. An accessibility opening may also be positioned in the first and/or second belt, and a fastener component may be connected with the belt adjacent the accessibility opening. Such frangible pathway configurations provide a feature that allows an elastic belt of a diaper pant to be relatively easily torn along the frangible pathway when removing the diaper pant from a wearer, and the fastener component may provide a feature that helps maintain a used diaper pant in a disposal configuration. An absorbent article may also comprise opening facilitation features, such as opening operational indicia and opening mechanical aids, and combinations thereof. Such opening facilitation features may help a user to successfully determine the location and/or function of the fastener component and frangible pathway and/or successfully complete pant opening operations.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit, under 35 USC 119(e), of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/432,402 filed on Dec. 14, 2022;U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/357,043, filed on Jun. 30,2022; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/432,400, filed on Dec.14, 2022; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/432,401, filed onDec. 14, 2022; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/432,403, filedon Dec. 14, 2022; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/432,404,filed on Dec. 14, 2022; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63/432,406, filed on Dec. 14, 2022; U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 63/432,410, filed on Dec. 14, 2022; and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/432,413, filed on Dec. 14, 2022, each of which areherein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles, and moreparticularly, to absorbent articles having front and/or back waistregions including one or more frangible pathways with openingfacilitation features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some absorbent articles have components that include elastomericlaminates. Such elastomeric laminates may include an elastic materialbonded to one or more nonwovens. The elastic material may include anelastic film and/or elastic strands. In some laminates, a plurality ofelastic strands are joined to a nonwoven while the plurality of strandsare in a stretched condition so that when the elastic strands relax, thenonwoven gathers, and in turn, forms corrugations and rugosities. Theresulting elastomeric laminate is stretchable to the extent that thecorrugations allow the elastic strands to elongate.

Absorbent articles in the form of diaper pants may also be configuredwith an absorbent chassis connected with front and back elastic belts,wherein opposing end regions of the front and back belts are connectedwith each other at side seams. In some instances, the elasticity of thefront and back belts is removed in regions where the chassis connectswith the belts. Thus, in some converting configurations adapted toassemble such diaper pants, stretched elastic strands are glued betweentwo continuous nonwoven webs to form an elastic laminate. Regions of theelastic strands may then be intermittently deactivated along the lengthof the elastic laminate by cutting the elastic strands in areas to beconnected with the chassis, sometimes referred to as tummy elasticcutting.

Some caregivers of older incontinent babies or toddlers may prefer aclosed, pant-style disposable absorbent article to enable applicationto, and removal from, a child while the child is in a standing position.One disadvantage of this product form is that the removal and disposalof feces-containing products may be unhygienic and inconvenient. Forexample, pulling the product down could cause feces to smear down thelegs of a user. In other examples, a caregiver may tear open the bondedsides using force. In turn, the force used can lead to a rapid releaseof energy from the diaper, causing the caregiver to lose control of theproduct and allowing feces to spill out. In contrast, removal anddisposal of traditional open or taped diaper forms with fasteners may bereadily accomplished while the child is laying on their back. In thiscase, the fasteners are opened, the diaper is removed from under thechild, rolled into a roughly cylindrical shape, and then the fastenersare secured around the rolled, soiled diaper, closing the leg openingsfor hygienic disposal.

In order to avoid having to remove soiled diaper pants from a wearer bysliding the soiled diaper pant down the wearer's legs or tearing bondedside seams, some diaper pants may be configured with tear lines in thefront belt or back belt. Such tear lines may include perforations thatallow a caregiver to more easily separate the belt along the perforationlines. Once the belt is separated, the diaper pant can be more easilyremoved from the wearer without having to slide the diaper pant down thewearer's legs, in a similar manner as a traditional open taped diaperform. However, such tear lines may be utilized relatively moreeffectively when a caregiver initiates the tearing process in a certainlocation and/or in a correct tearing direction in accordance with thedesign intent. If a caregiver cannot readily identify a startinglocation of the tearing process and/or the intended direction of thetearing process, then difficulties experienced by the caregiver insuccessfully and easily removing a diaper pant from a wearer may beexacerbated.

Consequently, it would be beneficial to create pant-style articles thatprovide the caregiver the ability to remove and dispose soiled productsin a similar manner to traditional open diaper forms. In addition, itwould be beneficial to provide diaper pants with opening facilitationfeatures, such as opening operational indicia and/or opening mechanicalaids, to help a caregiver successfully determine the location andfunction of the frangible pathway, and successfully complete the pantopening and disposal operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form, an absorbent article comprises: a chassis comprising atopsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between thetopsheet and the backsheet, the chassis further comprising a first endregion and a second end region longitudinally separated from the firstend region by a crotch region; a first belt comprising a first endregion and a second end region laterally separated from the first endregion by a central region, the first end region of the chassisconnected with the central region of the first belt, the first beltfurther comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterallyextending outer edge, the outer edge positioned longitudinally outwardof the inner edge, wherein the first belt further comprises an innerwearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface; a second beltcomprising a first end region and a second end region laterallyseparated from the first end region by a central region, the second endregion of the chassis connected with the central region of the secondbelt, wherein the first end region of the first belt is connected withthe first end region of the second belt and the second end region of thefirst belt is connected with the second end region of the second belt toform a waist opening; a frangible pathway in the first belt extendingbetween a proximal terminus and a distal terminus; a fastener componentconnected with the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt, thefastener component adapted to refastenably connect with at least oneother component of the absorbent article; and an opening operationalindicium adapted to facilitate indicate proper separation of the firstbelt along the frangible pathway.

In another form, an absorbent article comprises: a chassis comprising atopsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between thetopsheet and the backsheet, the chassis further comprising a first endregion and a second end region longitudinally separated from the firstend region by a crotch region; a first belt comprising a first endregion and a second end region laterally separated from the first endregion by a central region, the first end region of the chassisconnected with the central region of the first belt, wherein the firstbelt further comprises an inner wearer facing surface and an outergarment facing surface; a second belt comprising a first end region anda second end region laterally separated from the first end region by acentral region, the second end region of the chassis connected with thecentral region of the second belt, wherein the first end region of thefirst belt is connected with the first end region of the second belt andthe second end region of the first belt is connected with the second endregion of the second belt to form a waist opening; a frangible pathwayin the first belt extending between a proximal terminus and a distalterminus; a fastener component connected with the inner wearer facingsurface of the first belt adjacent the accessibility opening, thefastener component adapted to refastenably connect with at least oneother component of the absorbent article; and an opening mechanical aidadapted to at least one of: facilitate access to the fastener component;grasp the fastener component; pull the fastener component away from thechassis; and separate the first belt along the frangible pathway.

In yet another form, an absorbent article comprises: a chassiscomprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positionedbetween the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis further comprising afirst end region and a second end region longitudinally separated fromthe first end region by a crotch region; a first belt comprising a firstend region and a second end region laterally separated from the firstend region by a central region, the first end region of the chassisconnected with the central region of the first belt, wherein the firstbelt further comprises an inner wearer facing surface and an outergarment facing surface; a second belt comprising a first end region anda second end region laterally separated from the first end region by acentral region, the second end region of the chassis connected with thecentral region of the second belt, wherein the first end region of thefirst belt is connected with the first end region of the second belt ata first side seam and wherein the second end region of the first belt isconnected with the second end region of the second belt at a second sideseam to form a waist opening; a frangible pathway in the first beltextending between a proximal terminus and a distal terminus; a fastenercomponent connected with the inner wearer facing surface of the firstbelt; wherein the first belt is separable along the frangible pathway todefine a first belt zone and a second belt zone, wherein the first beltzone is laterally between the first side seam and the second belt zone,and wherein the fastener component is adapted to refastenably connectthe first belt zone with at least one other component of the absorbentarticle in a disposal configuration; and at least one openingfacilitation feature located on at least one of the fastener component,the chassis, and the first belt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a diaper pant in a pre-fastenedconfiguration.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a diaper pant with a continuousouter cover in a pre-fastened configuration.

FIG. 2A shows a plan view of a diaper pant with the portion of thediaper that faces away from a wearer oriented toward the viewer.

FIG. 2B shows a plan view of a diaper pant with the portion of thediaper that faces toward a wearer oriented toward the viewer.

FIG. 2C shows a plan view of a diaper pant with the portion of thediaper that faces away from a wearer oriented toward the viewer,illustrating first and second belt size and shape features.

FIG. 2D shows a plan view of a diaper pant with the portion of thediaper that faces away from a wearer oriented toward the viewer,illustrating first and second belt size and shape features.

FIG. 2E shows a plan view of a diaper pant with the portion of thediaper that faces away from a wearer oriented toward the viewer,illustrating first and second belt size and shape features.

FIG. 2F shows a plan view of a diaper pant with a continuous outer coverwith the portion of the diaper that faces away from a wearer orientedtoward the viewer.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the diaper pant of FIG. 2A takenalong line 3-3 showing first and second elastic belts provided withpanel layers.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional detailed view of a first belt provided withpanel layers wherein one panel layer is folded over another panel layer.

FIG. 3A1 is a cross-sectional detailed view of another exampleconfiguration wherein the first belt is provided with panel layerswherein one panel layer is folded over another panel layer.

FIG. 3A2 is a cross-sectional detailed view of another exampleconfiguration wherein the first belt is provided with panel layerswherein one panel layer is folded over another panel layer.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional detailed view of a second belt providedwith panel layers wherein one panel layer is folded over another panellayer.

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the diaper pant of FIG. 2F takenalong line 3C-3C showing first and second elastic belts provided withpanel layers and a continuous outer cover.

FIG. 4A is perspective view of a diaper pant including frangiblepathways in a front belt and adjacent an absorbent chassis.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the diaper pant of FIG. 4A showing thefront belt having been torn along one of the frangible pathways.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the diaper pant of FIG. 4A showing thefront belt having been torn along two frangible pathways.

FIG. 5A shows the diaper pant of FIG. 4C being rolled up onto itself ina longitudinal direction.

FIG. 5B shows the diaper pant of FIG. 5A with fastener componentsconnected with the backsheet of the chassis to maintain the diaper pantin a disposal configuration.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a diaper pant with frangible pathways.

FIG. 6B is a front plan view of the diaper pant of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6B1 is a front plan view of another configuration of a diaper pantwith frangible pathways having a distal terminus and a proximal terminuspositioned on a side seams.

FIG. 6C shows a front plan view of the diaper pant of FIG. 6B as a firstfrangible pathway is being torn.

FIG. 6D shows a front plan view of the diaper pant of FIG. 6C after thefirst frangible pathway has been completely torn.

FIG. 6E shows a front plan view of the diaper pant of FIG. 6D as asecond frangible pathway is being torn.

FIG. 6F shows a front plan view of the diaper pant of FIG. 6E after thesecond frangible pathway has been completely torn.

FIG. 7A is a detailed view of a fastener component configuration.

FIG. 7AA1 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener component of FIG. 7Ataken along line 7AA-7AA.

FIG. 7AA2 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener component of FIG. 7Ataken along line 7AA-7AA, wherein the fastener component is integrallyformed from belt components.

FIG. 7B is a detailed view of another fastener component configuration.

FIG. 7C shows a front plan view of a diaper with another configurationof fastener components, accessibility openings, and frangible pathways.

FIG. 7D is a detailed view of the fastener component configuration shownin FIG. 7C.

FIG. 7E shows a front plan view of the diaper pant of FIG. 6B as a firstfrangible pathway is being torn.

FIG. 7F shows a front plan view of a diaper with another configurationof frangible pathways.

FIG. 8A is a front plan view of the diaper pant of FIG. 6B showing ageneric representation of opening facilitation features.

FIG. 8B is a front plan view of the diaper pant of FIG. 6B showing anexample implementation of opening facilitation features.

FIG. 8C is a front plan view of a portion of the belt of the diaper pantincluding a portion of the frangible pathway and the fastener component.

FIG. 8D is a front plan view of a portion of the belt of the diaper pantincluding a portion of the frangible pathway and the fastener component.

FIG. 8E is a front plan view of a portion of the belt of the diaper pantincluding a portion of the frangible pathway and the fastener component.

FIG. 9A shows a front plan view of the diaper pant as a first frangiblepathway is being torn.

FIG. 9B shows a front plan view of the diaper pant as a first frangiblepathway is being torn.

FIG. 10 is view of the fastener component and belt of FIG. 7D takenalong line 10-10, wherein the fastener component includes a bend or acurl to form a three-dimensional aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

The following term explanations may be useful in understanding thepresent disclosure:

“Absorbent article” refers to devices, which absorb and contain bodyexudates and, more specifically, refers to devices, which are placedagainst or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and containthe various exudates discharged from the body. Exemplary absorbentarticles include diapers, training pants, pull-on pant-type diapers(i.e., a diaper having a preformed waist opening and leg openings suchas illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487), refastenable diapers orpant-type diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper holdersand liners, feminine hygiene garments such as panty liners, absorbentinserts, menstrual pads and the like.

“Body-facing” and “garment-facing” refer respectively to the relativelocation of an element or a surface of an element or group of elements.“Body-facing” implies the element or surface is nearer to the wearerduring wear than some other element or surface. “Garment-facing” impliesthe element or surface is more remote from the wearer during wear thansome other element or surface (i.e., element or surface is proximate tothe wearer's garments that may be worn over the disposable absorbentarticle).

The terms “elastic,” “elastomer” or “elastomeric” refers to materialsexhibiting elastic properties, which include any material that uponapplication of a force to its relaxed, initial length can stretch orelongate to an elongated length more than 10% greater than its initiallength and will substantially recover back to about its initial lengthupon release of the applied force. Elastomeric materials may includeelastomeric films, scrims, nonwovens, ribbons, strands, and othersheet-like structures.

As used herein, the term “joined” encompasses configurations whereby anelement is directly secured to another element by affixing the elementdirectly to the other element, and configurations whereby an element isindirectly secured to another element by affixing the element tointermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element.

As used herein, the term “distal” is used to describe a positionsituated away from a center of a body or from a point of attachment, andthe term “proximal” is used to describe a position situated nearer to acenter of a body or a point of attachment.

The term “substrate” is used herein to describe a material which isprimarily two-dimensional (i.e., in an XY plane) and whose thickness (ina Z direction) is relatively small (i.e., 1/10 or less) in comparison toits length (in an X direction) and width (in a Y direction).Non-limiting examples of substrates include a web, layer or layers orfibrous materials, nonwovens, films, and foils such as polymeric filmsor metallic foils. These materials may be used alone or may comprise twoor more layers laminated together. As such, a web is a substrate.

The term “nonwoven” refers herein to a material made from continuous(long) filaments (fibers) and/or discontinuous (short) filaments(fibers) by processes such as spunbonding, meltblowing, carding, and thelike. Nonwovens do not have a woven or knitted filament pattern.

The term “machine direction” (MD) is used herein to refer to thedirection of material flow through a process. In addition, relativeplacement and movement of material can be described as flowing in themachine direction through a process from upstream in the process todownstream in the process.

The term “cross direction” (CD) is used herein to refer to a directionthat is generally perpendicular to the machine direction.

“Pre-strain” refers to the strain imposed on an elastic or elastomericmaterial prior to combining it with another element of the elastomericlaminate or the absorbent article. Pre-strain is determined by thefollowing equation Pre-strain=((extended length of the elastic-relaxedlength of the elastic)/relaxed length of the elastic)*100.

“Decitex” also known as Dtex is a measurement used in the textileindustry used for measuring yarns or filaments. 1 Decitex=1 gram per10,000 meters. In other words, if 10,000 linear meters of a yarn orfilament weights 500 grams that yarn or filament would have a decitex of500.

The term “taped diaper” (also referred to as “open diaper”) refers todisposable absorbent articles having an initial front waist region andan initial back waist region that are not fastened, pre-fastened, orconnected to each other as packaged, prior to being applied to thewearer. A taped diaper may be folded about the lateral centerline withthe interior of one waist region in surface to surface contact with theinterior of the opposing waist region without fastening or joining thewaist regions together. Example taped diapers are disclosed in varioussuitable configurations U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,167,897, 5,360,420, 5,599,335,5,643,588, 5,674,216, 5,702,551, 5,968,025, 6,107,537, 6,118,041,6,153,209, 6,410,129, 6,426,444, 6,586,652, 6,627,787, 6,617,016,6,825,393, and 6,861,571; and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2013/0072887A1; 2013/0211356 A1; and 2013/0306226 A1, all of which are incorporatedby reference herein.

The term “pant” (also referred to as “training pant,” “pre-closeddiaper,” “diaper pant,” “pant diaper,” and “pull-on diaper”) refersherein to disposable absorbent articles having a continuous perimeterwaist opening and continuous perimeter leg openings designed for infantor adult wearers. A pant can be configured with a continuous or closedwaist opening and at least one continuous, closed, leg opening prior tothe article being applied to the wearer. A pant can be preformed orpre-fastened by various techniques including, but not limited to,joining together portions of the article using any refastenable and/orpermanent closure member (e.g., seams, heat bonds, pressure welds,adhesives, cohesive bonds, mechanical fasteners, etc.). A pant can bepreformed anywhere along the circumference of the article in the waistregion (e.g., side fastened or seamed, front waist fastened or seamed,back waist fastened or seamed). Example diaper pants in variousconfigurations are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,940,464; 5,092,861;5,246,433; 5,569,234; 5,897,545; 5,957,908; 6,120,487; 6,120,489;7,569,039 and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2003/0233082 A1; 2005/0107764A1, 2012/0061016 A1, 2012/0061015 A1; 2013/0255861 A1; 2013/0255862 A1;2013/0255863 A1; 2013/0255864 A1; and 2013/0255865 A1, all of which areincorporated by reference herein.

“Closed-form” means opposing waist regions are joined, as packaged,either permanently or refastenably to form a continuous waist openingand leg openings.

“Open-form” means opposing waist regions are not initially joined toform a continuous waist opening and leg openings but comprise a closuremeans such as a fastening system to join the waist regions to form thewaist and leg openings before or during application to a wearer of thearticle.

The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles including elasticlaminates, and more particularly, to absorbent articles having elasticlaminates in front and/or back waist regions with frangible pathways. Insome configurations, an absorbent article may comprise a first belt anda second belt, each belt comprising a first end region and a second endregion laterally separated from the first end region by a centralregion. The first end region of the first belt is connected with thefirst end region of the second belt at a first side seam and the secondend region of the first belt is connected with the second end region ofthe second belt at a second side seam to form a waist opening. Theabsorbent article may further comprise a chassis comprising a topsheet,a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet andthe backsheet. The chassis may further comprise a first end region and asecond end region longitudinally separated from the first end region bya crotch region. The first end region of the chassis may be connectedwith the central region of the first belt and the second end region ofthe chassis may be connected with the central region of the second belt.

As discussed in more detail below, the first belt and/or the second beltmay comprise one or more frangible pathways. For example, a frangiblepathway in the first and/or second belt may extend between a proximalterminus and a distal terminus. An accessibility opening may also bepositioned in the first and/or second belt. In turn, the frangiblepathway may comprise a first tear zone extending from the accessibilityopening to the distal terminus, and the second tear zone may extend fromthe accessibility opening to the proximal terminus. A fastener componentmay be connected with the inner wearer facing surface of the first beltadjacent the accessibility opening. Such frangible pathwayconfigurations provide a feature that allows an elastic belt of a diaperpant to be relatively easily torn along the frangible pathway whenremoving the diaper pant from a wearer, and the fastener component mayprovide a feature that helps maintain a used diaper pant in a disposalconfiguration. For example, the first belt may be separable along thefrangible pathway to define a first belt zone and a second belt zone,wherein the first belt zone is laterally between the first side seam andthe second belt zone, and wherein the fastener component is adapted torefastenably connect the first belt zone with at least one othercomponent of the absorbent article in a disposal configuration.

It is to be appreciated that to help experience the benefits provided bythe removal and disposal features discussed above, it may be beneficialfor a user to be able to easily identify and/or locate the accessibilityopening and the fastener component. Further, it may be beneficial toprovide features that may help a user to grasp the fastener componentand/or completely open the frangible pathway. Thus, as discussed in moredetail below, an absorbent article may comprise one or more openingfacilitation features, such as opening operational indicia and openingmechanical aids, and combinations thereof. Such opening facilitationfeatures may help a user to successfully determine the location and/orfunction of the fastener component and frangible pathway and/orsuccessfully complete pant opening operations. These openingfacilitation features may be present at various steps during the openingoperations to communicate visual cues for proper use and opening.

FIGS. 1-2B show an example of an absorbent article 100 in the form of adiaper pant 100P that may include components constructed in accordancewith the configurations disclosed herein. In particular, FIG. 1 shows aperspective views of a diaper pant 100P in a pre-fastened configuration.FIG. 2A shows a plan view of the diaper pant 100P with the portion ofthe diaper that faces away from a wearer oriented toward the viewer, andFIG. 2B shows a plan view of the diaper pant 100P with the portion ofthe diaper that faces toward a wearer oriented toward the viewer. Thediaper pant 100P includes a chassis 102 and a ring-like elastic belt104. As discussed below in more detail, a first elastic belt 106 and asecond elastic belt 108 are bonded together to form the ring-likeelastic belt 104.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-2B, the diaper pant 100P and thechassis 102 each include a first waist region 116, a second waist region118, and a crotch region 119 disposed intermediate the first and secondwaist regions. It may also be described that the chassis 102 includes afirst end region 116 a, a second end region 118 a, and a crotch region119 disposed intermediate the first and second end regions 116 a, 118 a.The first waist region 116 may be configured as a front waist region,and the second waist region 118 may be configured as back waist region.The diaper 100P may also include a laterally extending front waist edge121 in the front waist region 116 and a longitudinally opposing andlaterally extending back waist edge 122 in the back waist region 118. Toprovide a frame of reference for the present discussion, the diaper 100Pand chassis 102 of FIGS. 2A and 2B are shown with a longitudinal axis124 and a lateral axis 126. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis124 may extend through the front waist edge 121 and through the backwaist edge 122. And the lateral axis 126 may extend through a firstlongitudinal or right side edge 128 and through a second longitudinal orleft side edge 130 of the chassis 102. As previously mentioned, thelongitudinal axis 124 extends perpendicularly through the front waistedge 121 and the back waist edge 122, and the lateral axis 126 extendsperpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 124. When the diaper pant 100Pis worn, the longitudinal direction may extend from the wearer's frontwaist, through the crotch, to the wearer's back waist. To provide afurther frame of reference for the present discussion, the diapers 100Pof FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 18B are shown wherein: the first elastic belt 106comprises a longitudinal centerline 124 a and lateral centerline 126 a;the second elastic belt 108 comprises a longitudinal centerline 124 band lateral centerline 126 b; and the chassis 102 comprises alongitudinal centerline 124 c and lateral centerline 126 c. Thelongitudinal centerlines 124 a, 124 b, 124 c are perpendicular to thelateral center lines 126 a, 126 b, 126 c.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2B, the diaper pant 100P may include an inner, bodyfacing surface 132, and an outer, garment facing surface 134. Thechassis 102 may include a backsheet 136 and a topsheet 138. The chassis102 may also include an absorbent assembly 140, including an absorbentcore 142, disposed between a portion of the topsheet 138 and thebacksheet 136. As discussed in more detail below, the diaper 100P mayalso include other features, such as leg elastics and/or leg cuffs toenhance the fit around the legs of the wearer.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the periphery of the chassis 102 may be defined bythe first longitudinal side edge 128, a second longitudinal side edge130, a first laterally extending end edge 144 disposed in the firstwaist region 116, and a second laterally extending end edge 146 disposedin the second waist region 118. Both side edges 128 and 130 extendlongitudinally between the first end edge 144 and the second end edge146. As shown in FIG. 2A, the laterally extending end edges 144 and 146may be located longitudinally inward from the laterally extending frontwaist edge 121 in the front waist region 116 and the laterally extendingback waist edge 122 in the back waist region 118. In someconfigurations, the laterally extending end edges 144 and 146 may becoterminous with or located longitudinally outward from the laterallyextending front waist edge 121 in the front waist region 116 and thelaterally extending back waist edge 122 in the back waist region 118.When the diaper pant 100P is worn on the lower torso of a wearer, thefront waist edge 121 and the back waist edge 122 may encircle a portionof the waist of the wearer. At the same time, the side edges 128 and 130may encircle at least a portion of the legs of the wearer. And thecrotch region 119 may be generally positioned between the legs of thewearer with the absorbent core 142 extending from the front waist region116 through the crotch region 119 to the back waist region 118.

As previously mentioned, the diaper pant 100P may include a backsheet136. The backsheet 136 may also define the outer, garment facing surface134 of the chassis 102. The backsheet 136 may also comprise a woven ornonwoven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films ofpolyethylene or polypropylene, and/or a multi-layer or compositematerials comprising a film and a nonwoven material. The backsheet mayalso comprise an elastomeric film. An example backsheet 136 may be apolyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mils)to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). Further, the backsheet 136 may permitvapors to escape from the absorbent core (i.e., the backsheet isbreathable) while still preventing exudates from passing through thebacksheet 136.

Also described above, the diaper pant 100P may include a topsheet 138.The topsheet 138 may also define all or part of the inner, wearer facingsurface 132 of the chassis 102. The topsheet 138 may be liquid pervious,permitting liquids (e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny feces) topenetrate through its thickness. A topsheet 138 may be manufactured froma wide range of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials;apertured or hydroformed thermoplastic films; apertured nonwovens,porous foams; reticulated foams; reticulated thermoplastic films; andthermoplastic scrims. Woven and nonwoven materials may comprise naturalfibers such as wood or cotton fibers; synthetic fibers such aspolyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers; or combinationsthereof. If the topsheet 138 includes fibers, the fibers may bespunbond, carded, wet-laid, meltblown, hydroentangled, or otherwiseprocessed as is known in the art. Topsheets 138 may be selected fromhigh loft nonwoven topsheets, apertured film topsheets and aperturednonwoven topsheets. Exemplary apertured films may include thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,628,097; 5,916,661; 6,545,197; and6,107,539, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

As mentioned above, the diaper pant 100P may also include an absorbentassembly 140 that is joined to the chassis 102. As shown in FIG. 2A, theabsorbent assembly 140 may have a laterally extending front edge 148 inthe front waist region 116 and may have a longitudinally opposing andlaterally extending back edge 150 in the back waist region 118. Theabsorbent assembly may have a longitudinally extending right side edge152 and may have a laterally opposing and longitudinally extending leftside edge 154, both absorbent assembly side edges 152 and 154 may extendlongitudinally between the front edge 148 and the back edge 150. Theabsorbent assembly 140 may additionally include one or more absorbentcores 142 or absorbent core layers. The absorbent core 142 may be atleast partially disposed between the topsheet 138 and the backsheet 136and may be formed in various sizes and shapes that are compatible withthe diaper. Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent coreof the present disclosure are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,610,678;4,673,402; 4,888,231; and 4,834,735, all of which are incorporated byreference herein.

Some absorbent core embodiments may comprise fluid storage cores thatcontain reduced amounts of cellulosic airfelt material. For instance,such cores may comprise less than about 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or even1% of cellulosic airfelt material. Such a core may comprise primarilyabsorbent gelling material in amounts of at least about 60%, 70%, 80%,85%, 90%, 95%, or even about 100%, where the remainder of the corecomprises a microfiber glue (if applicable). Such cores, microfiberglues, and absorbent gelling materials are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,599,335; 5,562,646; 5,669,894; and 6,790,798 as well as U.S. PatentPublication Nos. 2004/0158212 A1 and 2004/0097895 A1, all of which areincorporated by reference herein.

As previously mentioned, the diaper 100P may also include elasticizedleg cuffs 156. It is to be appreciated that the leg cuffs 156 can be andare sometimes also referred to as leg bands, side flaps, barrier cuffs,elastic cuffs or gasketing cuffs. The elasticized leg cuffs 156 may beconfigured in various ways to help reduce the leakage of body exudatesin the leg regions. Example leg cuffs 156 may include those described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 3,860,003; 4,909,803; 4,695,278; 4,795,454; 4,704,115;4,909,803; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0312730 A1, all of whichare incorporated by reference herein.

As mentioned above, diaper pants may be manufactured with a ring-likeelastic belt 104 and provided to consumers in a configuration whereinthe front waist region 116 and the back waist region 118 are connectedto each other as packaged, prior to being applied to the wearer. Assuch, diaper pants may have a continuous perimeter waist opening 110 andcontinuous perimeter leg openings 112 such as shown in FIG. 1 . Thering-like elastic belt may be formed by joining a first elastic belt toa second elastic belt with a permanent side seam or with an openable andreclosable fastening system disposed at or adjacent the laterallyopposing sides of the belts.

As previously mentioned, the ring-like elastic belt 104 may be definedby a first elastic belt 106 connected with a second elastic belt 108. Asshown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first elastic belt 106 extends between afirst longitudinal side edge 111 a and a second longitudinal side edge111 b and defines first and second opposing end regions 106 a, 106 b anda central region 106 c. And the second elastic 108 belt extends betweena first longitudinal side edge 113 a and a second longitudinal side edge113 b and defines first and second opposing end regions 108 a, 108 b anda central region 108 c. As measured in an extended state, the distancebetween the first longitudinal side edge 111 a and the secondlongitudinal side edge 111 b defines the pitch length, PL, of the firstelastic belt 106, and the distance between the first longitudinal sideedge 113 a and the second longitudinal side edge 113 b defines the pitchlength, PL, of the second elastic belt 108. The central region 106 c ofthe first elastic belt is connected with the first waist region 116 orfirst end region 116 a of the chassis 102, and the central region 108 cof the second elastic belt 108 is connected with the second waist region118 or second end region 118 a of the chassis 102. As shown in FIG. 1 ,the first end region 106 a of the first elastic belt 106 is connectedwith the first end region 108 a of the second elastic belt 108 at firstside seam 178, and the second end region 106 b of the first elastic belt106 is connected with the second end region 108 b of the second elasticbelt 108 at second side seam 180 to define the ring-like elastic belt104 as well as the waist opening 110 and leg openings 112. It is to beappreciated that the first belt 106 and the second belt 108 may bepermanently or refastenably connected with each other at the first sideseam 178 and the second side seam 180. The side seams 178, 180 maycomprise a permanent bond, such as a thermal, pressure, or adhesivebond, or may be a releasable bond, such as a mechanical or cohesivefastener.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first elastic belt 106 also defines anouter laterally extending edge 107 a and an inner laterally extendingedge 107 b, and the second elastic belt 108 defines an outer laterallyextending edge 109 a and an inner laterally extending edge 109 b. Theouter edge 107 a of the first belt 106 is positioned longitudinallyoutward of the inner edge 107 b, and the outer edge 109 a of the secondbelt 108 is positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge 109 b.As such, as shown in FIG. 1 , a perimeter edge 112 a of one leg openingmay be defined by portions of the inner laterally extending edge 107 bof the first elastic belt 106, the inner laterally extending edge 109 bof the second elastic belt 108, and the first longitudinal or right sideedge 128 of the chassis 102. And a perimeter edge 112 b of the other legopening may be defined by portions of the inner laterally extending edge107 b, the inner laterally extending edge 109 b, and the secondlongitudinal or left side edge 130 of the chassis 102. The outerlaterally extending edges 107 a, 109 a may also define the front waistedge 121 and the laterally extending back waist edge 122 of the diaperpant 100P.

It is to be appreciated that the first elastic belt 106 and the secondelastic belt 108 may define different sizes and shapes. In someconfigurations, the first elastic belt 106 and/or second elastic belt108 may define curved contours. For example, the inner lateral edges 107b, 109 b of the first and/or second elastic belts 106, 108 may includenon-linear or curved portions in the first and second opposing endregions. Such curved contours may help define desired shapes to legopening 112, such as for example, relatively rounded leg openings. Inaddition to having curved contours, the elastic belts 106, 108 mayinclude elastic strands 168 that extend along non-linear or curved pathsthat may correspond with the curved contours of the inner lateral edges107 b, 109 b.

FIG. 2C shows a configuration wherein the first elastic belt 106 and thesecond elastic belt 108 both define generally rectangular shapes. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 2C, the outer laterally extending edge 107 aof the first elastic belt 106 may comprise a lateral width of W1D andthe inner laterally extending edge 107 b may comprise a lateral width ofW1P, wherein W1D and W1P are equal or substantially equal. In addition,the outer laterally extending edge 109 a of the second elastic belt 108may comprise a lateral width of W2D and the inner laterally extendingedge 109 b may comprise a lateral width of W2P, wherein W2D and W2P areequal or substantially equal.

In some configurations, at least one of the first elastic belt 106 andthe second elastic belt 108 may comprise lateral edges having differentlengths. For example, FIG. 2D shows a configuration wherein the firstelastic belt 106 defines a generally rectangular shape, such asdescribed with reference to FIG. 2C, and wherein the outer laterallyextending edge 109 a of the second elastic belt 108 and the innerlaterally extending edge 109 b have different lengths. As shown in FIG.2D, the outer laterally extending edge 109 a of the second elastic belt108 may comprise a lateral width of W2D and the inner laterallyextending edge 109 b may comprise a lateral width of W2P, wherein W2D isgreater than W2P.

In some configurations, both the first elastic belt 106 and the secondelastic belt 108 may comprise lateral edges having different lengths.For example, FIG. 2E shows a configuration wherein the outer laterallyextending edge 107 a of the first elastic belt 106 and the innerlaterally extending edge 107 b have different lengths, and wherein theouter laterally extending edge 109 a of the second elastic belt 108 andthe inner laterally extending edge 109 b have different lengths. Asshown in FIG. 2E, the outer laterally extending edge 107 a of the firstelastic belt 107 may comprise a lateral width of W1D and the innerlaterally extending edge 107 b may comprise a lateral width of W1P,wherein W1D is greater than W1P, and wherein the outer laterallyextending edge 109 a of the second elastic belt 108 may comprise alateral width of W2D and the inner laterally extending edge 109 b maycomprise a lateral width of W2P, wherein W2D is greater than W2P.

With reference to FIGS. 2C-2E, the first elastic belt 106 may define alongitudinal length LT1 extending between outer laterally extending edge107 a and the inner laterally extending edge 107 b, and the secondelastic belt 108 may define a longitudinal length LT2 extending betweenouter laterally extending edge 109 a and the inner laterally extendingedge 109 b. In some configurations, LT1 may be equal to LT2. In someconfigurations, LT1 may be less or greater than LT2. With continuedreference to FIGS. 2C-2E, in some configurations, W1D may be equal toW1P, or W1D may be different than W1P. In some configurations, W2D maybe equal to W2P, or W2D may be different than W2P. In someconfigurations, W1D and/or W1P may be equal to or different W2D and/orW2P.

With reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3 , the first elastic belt 106 andthe second elastic belt 108 may also each include a first substrate 162and a second substrate 164. The first substrates 162 may be oriented todefine at least a portion of a garment facing surface 115 a of the firstelastic belt 106 and a garment facing surface 117 a the second elasticbelt 108, and the second substrates 164 may be oriented to define atleast a portion of a wearer facing surface 115 b of the first elasticbelt 106 and a wearer facing surface 117 b of the second elastic belt108. The first substrate 162 may extend from a proximal edge 162 b to adistal edge 162 a for a maximum length L1, and the second substrate 164may extend from a proximal edge 164 b to a distal edge 164 a for amaximum length L2. It is to be appreciated that the distal edge 162 aand/or the proximal edge 162 b of the first substrate 162 may bestraight and/or curved and/or may be parallel or unparallel to eachother. It is also to be appreciated that the distal edge 164 a and/orthe proximal edge 164 b of the second substrate 164 may be straightand/or curved and/or may be parallel or unparallel to each other. Assuch, the maximum length L1 refers to the longest distance extendinglongitudinally between the distal edge 162 a and the proximal edge 162 bof the first substrate 162, and the maximum length L2 refers to thelongest distance extending longitudinally between the distal edge 164 aand the proximal edge 164 b of the second substrate 164. In someconfigurations, L1 may be equal to, less than, or greater than L2. Insome configurations, L1 may be equal to or less than LT1, and L2 may beequal to or less than LT2. In some configurations, the distal edge 162 aof the first substrate 162 may define at least a portion of the frontwaist edge 121 and/or at least a portion of back waist edge 122, and/orthe distal edge 164 a of the second substrate 164 may define at least aportion of the front waist edge 121 and/or at least a portion of backwaist edge 122. As such, in some configurations, the distal edge 162 aof the first substrate 162 and/or the distal edge 164 a of the secondsubstrate 164 may define at least a portion of the waist opening 110.

It is also to be appreciated that the first substrate 162 and/or thesecond substrate 164 may extend continuously from the first belt 106 tothe second belt 108. For example, the first substrate 162 may beconfigured to define a continuous outer cover 162′ that extendscontiguously from the first waist edge 121 to the second waist edge 122,such as shown in FIGS. 1A, 2F, and 3C. It is also to be appreciated thatdiaper pants 100P with continuous outer covers, such as shown in FIGS.1A, 2F, and 3C may also be configured to include various aspects of thefrangible pathways and fastener components discussed herein.

It is to be appreciated that the first substrate 162 and the secondsubstrate 164 may define various lateral widths that may or may not beequal. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the first substrate 162 mayextend laterally between a first longitudinal edge 162 e and a secondlongitudinal edge 162 f to define a first lateral width W1, and thesecond substrate 164 may extend laterally between a first longitudinaledge 164 e and a second longitudinal edge 164 f to define a secondlateral width W2.

In some configurations, the proximal edge 162 b of the first substrate162 and/or the proximal edge 164 b of the second substrate 164 mayextend laterally across the backsheet 136. As shown in FIGS. 2A-3 , thefirst substrate 162 includes a garment facing surface 162 c and anopposing wearer facing surface 162 d, and the second substrate 164includes a garment facing surface 164 c and an opposing wearer facingsurface 164 d.

In some configurations, the first elastic belt 106 and/or the secondelastic belt 108 may include a folded portion of at least the firstsubstrate 162 and/or the second substrate 164. For example, as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the first elastic belt 106 and/or the second elasticbelt 108 may include a folded portion 162 g of the first substrate 162extending longitudinally between a fold line 162 h in the firstsubstrate 162 and a lateral edge 162 i. As such, the folded portion 162g of the first substrate 162 may be connected with the wearer facingsurface 164 d of the second substrate 164. In some configurations, thefolded portion 162 g of the first substrate 162 may also be connectedwith and/or overlap the chassis 102. In some configurations, the foldedportion 162 g of the first substrate 162 may also be connected with thewearer facing surface 162 d of the first substrate 162. In someconfigurations, a portion of the folded portion 162 g of the firstsubstrate 162 may be left unbonded to the chassis 102 and/or the secondsubstrate 164, forming a pocket having an opening oriented toward thelateral centerline 162 c of the chassis 102. In another example, thefirst elastic belt 106 and/or the second elastic belt 108 may include afolded portion of the second substrate 164 extending longitudinallybetween a fold line in the second substrate 164 and a lateral edge. Assuch, the folded portion of the second substrate 164 may be connectedwith the garment facing surface 162 c of the first substrate 162. Assuch, in some configurations, a fold line of the first substrate 162and/or a fold line of the second substrate 164 may define at least aportion of the waist opening 110. It is to be appreciated that variouswaist configurations may be utilized. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A1,the folded portion 162 g may be sandwiched between the second substrate164 and the backsheet 136. In another example shown in FIG. 3A2, thesecond substrate 164 may be sandwiched between the folded portion 162 gand the backsheet 136. Although FIGS. 3A1 and 3A2 show configurations ofthe first belt 106, it is to be appreciated that such configurations maybe applied with the second belt 108.

It is to be appreciated that the first elastic belt 106 and the secondelastic belt 108 may comprise the same materials and/or may have thesame structure. In some embodiments, the first elastic belt 106 and thesecond elastic belt may comprise different materials and/or may havedifferent structures. It should also be appreciated that components ofthe first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108, such as thefirst substrate 162, and/or second substrate 164 may be constructed fromvarious materials. For example, the first and/or second belts mayinclude a first substrate 162, and/or second substrate 164 that may bemanufactured from materials such as plastic films; apertured plasticfilms; woven or nonwoven webs of natural materials (e.g., wood or cottonfibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyolefins, polyamides, polyester,polyethylene, or polypropylene fibers) or a combination of naturaland/or synthetic fibers; or coated woven or nonwoven webs. In someconfigurations, the first and/or second belts may include a firstsubstrate 162, and/or second substrate 164 comprising a nonwoven web ofsynthetic fibers, and may include a stretchable nonwoven. In someconfigurations, the first and second elastic belts may include an innerhydrophobic, non-stretchable nonwoven material and an outer hydrophobic,non-stretchable nonwoven material. It is to be appreciated that thebelts may configured in various ways, such as disclosed for example, inU.S. Patent Publication No. US 2022/0142828 A1 and Chinese PatentApplication No. CN2021/077843, which are both incorporated by reference.

Elastic material 167 may be positioned between the wearer facing surface162 d of the first substrate 162 and the garment facing surface 164 c ofthe second substrate 164. It is to be appreciated that the elasticmaterial 167 may include one or more elastic elements such as strands,ribbons, elastic films, or panels extending along the lengths of theelastic belts. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 3 , the elastic material 167 mayinclude a plurality of elastic strands 168. In some configurations, theelastic material 167 may be an elastic film used to form a zero-strainelastic laminate comprising an elastic film bonded to one or morenonwoven layers and subsequently subjected to mechanical deformation oractivation sufficient to weaken the nonwoven layer(s) and enable thelaminate to stretch and recover elastically.

It is also to be appreciated that the first substrate 162, secondsubstrate 164, and/or elastic material 167 of the first elastic belt 106and/or second elastic belt 108 may be bonded together and/or with othercomponents, such as the chassis 102, with adhesive and/or mechanicalbonds. It is to be appreciated that adhesive and mechanical bondingmethods may be utilized alone or in combination with each other.

In some configurations, adhesive may be applied to at least one of thefirst substrate 162, second substrate 164, and/or elastic material 167when being combined to form the first elastic belt 106 and/or secondelastic belt 108. In some configurations, mechanical bonding devices mayapply mechanical bonds to the to at least one of the first substrate162, second substrate 164, and/or elastic material 167 when beingcombined to form the first elastic belt 106 and/or second elastic belt108. Such mechanical bonds may be applied with heat, pressure, and/orultrasonic devices. In some configurations, mechanical bonding devicesmay apply bonds that bond the first substrate 162, second substrate 164,and/or elastic material 167 together and/or may act to trap orimmobilize discrete lengths of the contracted elastic strands in thefirst elastic belt 106 and/or second elastic belt 108.

It is also to be appreciated that the first substrate 162, secondsubstrate 164, and/or elastic material 167 may be bonded together withvarious methods and apparatuses to create various elastomeric laminates,such as described in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2018/0168878 A1;2018/0168877 A1; 2018/0168880 A1; 2018/0170027 A1; 2018/0169964 A1;2018/0168879 A1; 2018/0170026 A1; 2018/0168889 A1; 2018/0168874 A1;2018/0168875 A1; 2018/0168890 A1; 2018/0168887 A1; 2018/0168892 A1;2018/0168876 A1; 2018/0168891 A1; 2019/0070042 A1; 2019/0070041 A1;2021/0282797A1; and 2021/0275362 A1, and combinations thereof, all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

It is to be appreciated that components of the first elastic belt 106and/or the second elastic belt 108 may be assembled in various ways andvarious combinations to create various desirable features that maydiffer along the lateral width and/or longitudinal length of the firstelastic belt 106 and/or the second elastic belt 108. Such features mayinclude, for example, Dtex values, bond patterns, aperture arrangements,elastic positioning, Average Dtex values, Average Pre-Strain values,rugosity frequencies, rugosity wavelengths, height values, and/orcontact area. It is to be appreciated that differing features may beimparted to various components, such as for example, the first substrate162, second substrate 164, and elastic material 167 before and/or duringstages of assembly of the first elastic belt 106 and/or the secondelastic belt 108.

It is to be appreciated that the first elastic belt 106 and/or thesecond elastic belt 108 may include various configurations of beltelastic materials 167 arranged in relation to each other and to thefirst substrate 162, and the second substrate 164. As discussed above,the elastic material 167 may include configurations of one or moreelastic elements such as strands, ribbons, films, or panels positionedin various arrangements. In some configurations, the elastic material167 may comprise various elastics, elastic features and arrangements,and processes for assembly, such as described in 2018/0168889 A1;2018/0168874 A1; 2018/0168875 A1; 2018/0168890 A1; 2018/0168887 A1;2018/0168892 A1; 2018/0168876 A1; 2018/0168891 A1; 2019/0298586 A1;2019/0070042 A1; 2018/0168878 A1; 2018/0168877 A1; 2018/0168880 A1;2018/0170027 A1; 2018/0169964 A1; 2018/0168879 A1; 2018/0170026 A1;2019/0070041 A1; 2021/0282797A1; and 2021/0275362 A1, which are allincorporated by reference. It is also to be appreciated the elasticmaterials 167 herein may be configured with identical or differentcolors in various different locations on the first elastic belt 106and/or the second elastic belt 108.

In some configurations, the elastic material 167 may be configured aselastic strands 168 disposed at a constant interval in the longitudinaldirection. In other embodiments, the elastic strands 168 may be disposedat different intervals in the longitudinal direction. In someconfigurations, the elastic material 167 in a stretched condition may beinterposed and joined between uncontracted substrate layers. In someconfigurations, the Dtex values of the elastic strands 168 may beconstant or varied along the longitudinal direction. When the elasticmaterial 167 is relaxed, the elastic material 167 returns to anunstretched condition and contracts the substrate layers. The elasticmaterial 167 may provide a desired variation of contraction force in thearea of the ring-like elastic belt. It is to be appreciated that thechassis 102 and elastic belts 106, 108 may be configured in differentways other than as depicted in attached Figures. It is also to beappreciated that the elastic material 167 material may be joined to thesubstrates continuously or intermittently along the interface betweenthe elastic material 167 material and the substrates. In someconfigurations, the elastic strands 168 may be in the form of extrudedelastic strands, which may also be bonded with the first substrate 162and/or second substrate 164 in a pre-corrugated configuration, such asdisclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,302, which is incorporatedby reference herein.

As discussed above for example with reference to FIGS. 2A and 3 , theelastic material 167 discussed herein may be in the form of elasticstrands 168. In some configurations, the elastic strands 168 may beparallel with each other and/or with the lateral axis 126. It is to beappreciated that the first elastic belt 106 and/or second elastic belt108 may be configured to include various quantities of elastic strands168. In some configurations, elastic strands 168 may be grouped inpairs. In some configurations, the first elastic belt 106 and/or secondelastic belt 108 may comprise from about 10 to about 1500 elasticstrands 168. It is also to be appreciated that elastic strands 168herein may comprise various Dtex values, strand spacing values, andpre-strain values and such elastic strands 168 may utilized with otherelastic strands to create first and second elastic belts 106, 108comprising elastic strands 168 in various combinations of Dtex values,strand spacing values, and pre-strain values. For example, in someconfigurations, the Average-Dtex of one or more elastic strands 168 maybe greater than 500. In some configurations, the Average-Dtex of one ormore elastic strands 168 may be from about 10 to about 1500,specifically reciting all 1 Dtex increments within the above-recitedrange and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations,a plurality of elastic strands 168 may comprise anAverage-Strand-Spacing of less than or equal to 4 mm. In someconfigurations, a plurality of elastic strands 168 may comprise anAverage-Strand-Spacing from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, specificallyreciting all 0.01 mm increments within the above-recited range and allranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, a plurality ofelastic strands 168 may comprise an Average-Strand-Spacing of greaterthan 4 mm. In some configurations, the Average-Pre-Strain of each of aplurality of elastic strands may be from about 50% to about 400%,specifically reciting all 1% increments within the above-recited rangeand all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, theelastic strands 168 comprise an Average-Strand-Spacing from about 0.25mm to about 4 mm and an Average-Dtex from about 10 to about 500. In someconfigurations, the elastic strands 168 may comprise anAverage-Pre-Strain from about 75% to about 300%.

In some configurations, a first plurality of elastic strands maycomprise a first Average-Pre-Strain from about 75% to about 300%, and asecond plurality of elastic strands may comprise a secondAverage-Pre-Strain that is greater than first Average-Pre-Strain. Insome configurations, a first plurality of elastic strands comprises anAverage-Strand-Spacing from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm and anAverage-Dtex from about 10 to about 500; and a second plurality ofelastic strands may comprise an Average-Strand-Spacing greater thanabout 4 mm and an Average-Dtex greater than about 450.

In some configurations, such as shown in FIG. 2A, the elastic strands168 may be referred to herein as outer waist elastics 170 and innerwaist elastics 172. Elastic strands 168, such as the outer waistelastics 170, may continuously extend laterally between the first andsecond opposing end regions 106 a, 106 b of the first elastic belt 106and between the first and second opposing end regions 108 a, 108 b ofthe second elastic belt 108. Some elastic strands 168, such as the innerwaist elastics 172, may be configured with discontinuities in areas,such as for example, where the first and second elastic belts 106, 108overlap portions of the chassis 102, such as the absorbent assembly 140.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the first elastic belt 106 and/or the secondelastic belt 108 may be configured with low-stretch zones 701 andhigh-stretch zones 703. The first elastic belt 106 and/or the secondelastic belt 108 may include a first high-stretch zone 703 a and asecond high-stretch zone 703 b separated laterally by a low-stretch zone701. Portions of the chassis 102, such as the backsheet 136 andabsorbent assembly 140, may be connected with the first elastic belt 106and/or the second elastic belt 108 in the low-stretch zones 701 in thefirst waist region 116 and/or the second waist region 118. Thehigh-stretch zones 703 are elasticated by the elastic material 167, suchas the elastic strands 168, 172; and the low-stretch zones 701 maycomprise cut lines separating the elastic material 167, such as theelastic strands 168, 172. In some configurations, the elastic material167 may be cut in an unbonded region where the elastic material is notbonded with first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164. Thus, theelastic material 167 retracts from the unbonded region and formlow-stretch zone 701. In some configurations, the elastic material 167may be cut into several discrete pieces. In turn, the low-stretch zones701 define regions of the first elastic belt 106 and/or the secondelastic belt 108 that have relatively less elasticity than thehigh-stretch zones 703. The discrete elastic material 167 that has beencut and which are elastically contracted do not add any substantialamount of elastication to the low-stretch zone 701. As such, uponapplication of a force, the high-stretch zones 703 will elongate morethan the low-stretch zones 701. As provided above, the terms “elastic,”“elastomer” or “elastomeric” refers to materials exhibiting elasticproperties, which include any material that upon application of a forceto its relaxed, initial length can stretch or elongate to an elongatedlength more than 10% greater than its initial length and willsubstantially recover back to about its initial length upon release ofthe applied force. In some configurations, the first elastic belt 106and/or the second elastic belt 108 may be configured with high-stretchzones 703 that are elastic and may be configured with low-stretch zones701 that are not elastic or “inelastic.”

As discussed above, the diaper pants 100P described with reference toFIGS. 1-3C may include one or more frangible pathways in the first belt106 and/or the second belt 108. For example, FIGS. 4A-4C show an examplediaper pant 100P with a first belt 106 that includes frangible pathways700. The frangible pathways 700 may be configured to allow the firstelastic belt 106 to be relatively easily torn along the frangiblepathway 700, such as when removing the diaper pant 100P from a wearer.FIG. 4B shows a view of the diaper pant 100P from FIG. 4A, illustratingthe first belt 106 after having been torn along the frangible pathway700 through both the outer laterally extending edge 107 a and the innerlaterally extending edge 107 b of the first belt 106. As such, the firstelastic belt 106 shown in FIG. 4B is separated by opposing tear lines705. It is to be appreciated the first elastic belt 106 may be tornalong both frangible pathways 700 in FIG. 4B. For example, FIG. 4C showsthe diaper pant of FIG. 4A showing the front belt having been torn alongtwo frangible pathways 700. As shown in FIG. 4C, the central region 106c of the first elastic belt 106 may remain bonded with the chassis 102after separating the first and second opposing end regions 106 a, 106 bfrom the central region 106 c by tearing the elastic belt 106 along thefrangible pathways 700.

As discussed in more detail below, the frangible pathways 700 comprise aplurality of lines of weakness 704 configured such that all elasticstrands 168 in the first elastic belt 106 are severed at least once inthe frangible pathway 700. Severing the elastic strands 168 in thefrangible pathway 700 helps make it relatively easier to tear the firstelastic belt 106 along the frangible pathway 700. For example, when theelastic strands 168 are severed, the first substrate 162 and secondsubstrate 164 of the first elastic belt 106 need only need to be tornwithout having to also tear uncut elastic strands 168. IL is to beappreciated that the diaper pant 100P may include various quantities offrangible pathways 700 that may be: positioned in various locations;define various shapes; and extend for various lengths. For example, thefirst elastic belt 106 may comprise a first belt length defined by alongitudinal distance between the proximal edge 107 b and the distaledge 107 a, and the frangible pathway 700 may extend for a total lengthfrom an outermost edge of a line of weakness 704 nearest the proximaledge 107 b of the first belt 106 to an outermost edge of a line ofweakness 704 nearest the distal edge 107 a of the first belt 106. Insome configurations, the frangible pathway 700 may extend for a totallength that is greater than, equal to, or less than the first beltlength. In some configurations, the lines of weakness 704 may extend fora length from a first end to a second end, and a sum of the all thelengths of lines of weakness 704 in the frangible pathway 700 may begreater than the frangible pathway total length.

In some configurations, diaper pants 100P may be configured such thatone or both of the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt108 include one or more frangible pathways 700. The frangible pathways700 may be positioned in various locations on the first and secondelastic belts 106, 108. For example, such as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C,frangible pathways 700 may extend to overlap with the chassis 102. Insome configurations, the frangible pathways 700 may extend in straightlines and/or may be curved and/or have curved portions. In someconfigurations, the frangible pathways 700 may extend longitudinally forthe entire length or less than the entire length of the first belt 106and/or second belt 108. In some configurations, frangible pathways 700may be positioned partially or entirely laterally between the first andsecond side seams 178, 180 and the chassis 102.

In some configurations, the frangible pathways 700 may be configuredand/or positioned to provide access to and/or function with otherfeatures, such as disposal features. For example, the diaper pant 100Pshown in FIGS. 4A-4C includes fastener components 707 positioned on thewearing facing surface 115 b of the first elastic belt 106. In someconfigurations, the fastener components 707 may be positioned betweenthe first elastic belt 106 and the chassis 102. The fastener component707 may be configured to refastenably connect with other portions of thediaper pant 100P, such as for example, the garment facing surfaces ofthe first elastic belt 106, the second elastic belt 108, or the chassis102. As such, once the first elastic belt 106 is torn along thefrangible pathways 700, the diaper pant OOP may be removed from a wearerand rolled or folded up for disposal, and the fastener component 707 maybe connected with another portion of the diaper pant 100P to helpmaintain the diaper pant 100P in a disposal configuration. For example,FIG. 4C shows a diaper pant 100P after tearing the first elastic belt106 along two frangible pathways. FIG. 5A shows the diaper pant 100P ofFIG. 4C with the chassis 102 being rolled up onto itself in alongitudinal direction. And FIG. 5B shows the diaper pant 100P of FIG.5A with fastener components 707 refastenably connected with thebacksheet 136 of the chassis 102 to maintain the diaper pant 100P in adisposal configuration. In some configurations, when tearing the elasticbelt along the frangible pathway 700, the tearing process may begin bytearing from the outer edge 107 a or the inner edge 107 b of the elasticbelt 106. As discussed in more detail below, in some configurations, thefirst elastic belt 106 may also include a slit located adjacent to or inthe proximity of the fastener component 707 and the weakened region 700to help facilitate starting to tear the frangible pathway 700 in aregion of the elastic belt 106 longitudinally between the outer edge 107a and the inner edge 107 b.

It is also to be appreciated that the fastener component 707 may beconfigured in various ways, such as hooks, loops, and/or adhesive. Forexample, the fastener component 707 may comprise hook elements oradhesive adapted to refastenably connect with another surface of thediaper pant 100P. In some configurations, the fastener component 707 maycomprise loop elements adapted to refastenably connect with hook surfaceon the diaper pant 100P. The fastener component 707 may be a separateelement connected with the elastic belt 106 in various ways, such asmechanical bonding, adhesive bonding, or both. In some configurations,the fastener component 707 may be integrally formed from materials ofthe elastic belt 106, 108.

As previously mentioned, the fastener component 707 may comprise a hookmaterial that can refastenably engage with substrates, such as nonwovensfor example, on an exterior surface of the diaper pant 100P. Forexample, the fastener component 707 may comprise a substrate comprisinghooks, with the substrate bonded to the elastic belt 106, 108, such asthe second substrate 164, which may be in the form of a nonwoven. It isto be appreciated that the substrate may be bonded to the elastic belt106, 108 in various ways, such as for example, with mechanical bonds,thermal bonds, ultrasonic bonds, and/or adhesive bonds or combinationsthereof. In some configurations, hooks may be integrally formed from thesecond substrate 164, which may be in the form of a nonwoven. Thefastener component 707 may comprise one material or a combination of twoor more materials arranged in at least partially overlappingconfiguration. In some configurations, the fastener component 707 maycomprise other fastener types as known in the art.

It is to be appreciated that the fastener component 707 may comprise anyof a wide variety of shapes, including rectangles or other polygons,circles, ovals, shapes having exterior convexities or concavities orcombinations thereof, or one or a plurality of lines or geometric shapesforming an array. It is to be appreciated that the fastener component707 may comprise various sizes. For example, in some configurations, thefastener component 707 may have a lateral width of between about 5 mmand about 100 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within theabove-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In someconfigurations, the fastener component 707 may have a longitudinallength of between about 10 mm and about 100 mm, specifically recitingall 0.1 mm increments within the above-recited range and all rangesformed therein or thereby. The fastener component 707 may be alignedparallel to the lateral centerline 126 a, 126 b of the elastic belt 106,108 or may be oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinalcenterline 126 a, 126 of the elastic belt 106, 108 of between 0 and 90degrees. The fastener component 707 may comprise an array of two or morespaced-apart fastening elements.

It is also to be appreciated that the frangible pathways 700 maycomprise lines of weakness 704 that are: configured in various ways;positioned in various locations and orientations relative to each other;defined by various shapes; and extend for various lengths. For example,in some configurations, the lines of weakness 704 comprise discrete cutlines that penetrate through some or all the layers of the elastic belt106. In some configurations, the lines of weakness 704 comprise discretebonds wherein materials of the first substrate and the second substrateare fused together. In some configurations, the lines of weakness 704may be linear, curvilinear, or have a regular or irregular geometry andmay comprise one or more of a perforation, a bond, an aperture, or amechanically thinned region of a material such as a nonwoven, or acombination thereof. It is also to be appreciated that the lines ofweakness 704 can be formed with different lengths and spacings toachieve different separation forces.

As discussed above, absorbent articles 100, such as diaper pants 100P,may be configured with frangible pathways 700 comprising lines ofweakness 704 arranged in various ways to help improve a caregiver'sability to remove a soiled diaper pant 100P from a wearer without havingto remove a soiled diaper pant from a wearer by sliding the soileddiaper pant down the wearer's legs. As discussed above, the frangiblepathways 700 may be configured to allow the first elastic belt 106and/or the second elastic belt 108 to be relatively easily torn alongthe frangible pathway 700, such as when removing the diaper pant 100Pfrom a wearer. In addition, the frangible pathways 700 may also beconfigured to provide access to fastener components 707 that may be usedto help hold a soiled product in a disposal configuration. The followingprovides a discussion of example implementations of frangible pathways700 on diaper pants 100P in the context of the above description ofvarious details of absorbent articles 100, fastener components 707,frangible pathways 700, and lines of weakness 704. It is to beappreciated that discussions of frangible pathways 700 in the firstelastic belt 106 herein may also apply to frangible pathways 700 in thesecond elastic belt 108.

It is to be appreciated that frangible pathways 700 may be positioned invarious locations and/or orientations relative to other components ofthe absorbent article 100 and/or may be configured to function invarious ways to help facilitate removal of diaper pant from a wearer.For example, the diaper pant 100P shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B may includeone or more frangible pathways 700 extending between a distal terminus808 on the outer edge 107 a of the first belt 106 and a distal terminus810 on the inner edge 107 b of the first belt 106. As illustrated inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the diaper pant 100P includes a first frangible pathway700 a and a second frangible pathway 700 b in the first belt 106. Thefirst frangible pathway 700 a may extend between a first distal terminus808 a on the outer edge 107 a of the first belt 106 and a first proximalterminus 810 a on the inner edge 107 b of the first belt 106. And thesecond frangible pathway 700 b may extend between a second distalterminus 808 b on the outer edge 107 a of the first belt 106 and asecond proximal terminus 810 b on the inner edge 107 b of the first belt106. It is to be appreciated that the first and second frangiblepathways 700 a, 700 b may comprise lines of weakness 704 as describedabove.

It is to be appreciated that the first distal terminus 808 a and thesecond distal terminus 808 b may be located in various lateral positionson the outer edge 107 a of the first belt 106. For example, in someconfigurations, the first distal terminus 808 a and/or the second distalterminus 808 b may be positioned in the central region 106 c of thefirst belt 106. In some configurations, the first distal terminus 808 aand/or the second distal terminus 808 b may be positioned laterallybetween the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first distalterminus 808 a and/or the second distal terminus 808 b may be positionedin the first end region 106 a and/or the second end region 106 b of thefirst belt 106. In some configurations, the first distal terminus 808 aand/or the second distal terminus 808 b may be positioned laterallyoutboard of the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinaledge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first distalterminus 808 a and/or the second distal terminus 808 b may be positionedlaterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 andthe first side seam 178 and/or may be positioned laterally between thesecond longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second side seam180. In some configurations, the first distal terminus 808 a may belaterally aligned with the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis102 or the first longitudinal side edge 111 a of the first belt 106. Insome configurations, the first distal terminus 808 a may be positionedlaterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 andthe first longitudinal side edge 111 a of the first belt 106. In someconfigurations, the second distal terminus 808 b may be laterallyaligned with the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 or thesecond longitudinal side edge 111 b of the first belt 106. In someconfigurations, the second distal terminus 808 b may be positionedlaterally between the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102and the second longitudinal side edge 111 b of the first belt 106.

It is also to be appreciated that the first proximal terminus 810 a andthe second proximal terminus 810 b may be located in various lateralpositions on the inner edge 107 b of the first belt 106. For example, insome configurations, the first proximal terminus 810 a and/or the secondproximal terminus 810 b may be positioned in the central region 106 c ofthe first belt 106. In some configurations, the first proximal terminus810 a and/or the second distal terminus 810 b may be positionedlaterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 and the secondlongitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, thefirst proximal terminus 810 a and/or the second proximal terminus 810 bmay be positioned in the first end region 106 a and/or the second endregion 106 b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the firstproximal terminus 810 a and/or the second proximal terminus 810 b may bepositioned laterally outboard of the first longitudinal edge 128 and thesecond longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations,the first proximal terminus 810 a and/or the second proximal terminus810 b may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge128 of the chassis 102 and the first side seam 178 and/or may bepositioned laterally between the second longitudinal edge 130 of thechassis 102 and the second side seam 180. In some configurations, thefirst proximal terminus 810 a may be laterally aligned with the firstlongitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 or the first longitudinal sideedge 111 a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the firstproximal terminus 810 a may be positioned laterally between the firstlongitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first longitudinal sideedge 111 a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the secondproximal terminus 810 b may be laterally aligned with the secondlongitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 or the second longitudinal sideedge 111 b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the secondproximal terminus 810 b may be positioned laterally between the secondlongitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second longitudinalside edge 111 b of the first belt 106.

It is to be appreciated that the first distal terminus 808 a and thesecond distal terminus 808 b may be located in various longitudinalpositions between the outer edge 107 a and the inner edge 107 b of thefirst belt 106. And the first proximal terminus 810 a and the secondproximal terminus 810 b may be located in various longitudinal positionsbetween the outer edge 107 a and the inner edge 107 b of the first belt106. For example, in some configurations, such as shown in FIG. 6B1 forexample, the first distal terminus 808 a and/or the first proximalterminus 810 a may be located on the first side seam 178 at positionslongitudinally inboard of the outer edge 107 a and longitudinallyoutboard of the inner edge 107 b of the first belt 106. Also, as shownin FIG. 6B1, the second distal terminus 808 b and/or the second proximalterminus 810 b may be located on the second side seam 180 at positionslongitudinally inboard of the outer edge 107 a and longitudinallyoutboard of the inner edge 107 b of the first belt 106. As such,completing the tearing process of the first belt 106 may also requiretearing portions of the first and/or second side seams 178, 180.

With continued reference to FIG. 6B, the first belt 106 may alsocomprise grip regions 801 providing a place where a user may grasp aportion of the first belt 106 and begin the process of tearing the firstbelt along the frangible pathway 700. The grip region 801 may comprisean accessibility opening 802 in the first belt 106 and may also comprisea fastener component 707 positioned adjacent the accessibility opening802. The accessibility opening 802 may comprise slits and/or openings inthe first belt 106 and may penetrate through some or all layers of thefirst belt 106. It is to be appreciated that such slits or openings maybe curved and/or straight. The accessibility opening 802 may also beconsidered part of the frangible pathway 700.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the diaper pant 100P may include a first gripregion 801 a including a first accessibility opening 802 a and secondgrip region 801 b including a second accessibility opening 802 b in thefirst belt 106. The first and second accessibility openings 802 a, 802 bmay be positioned between the outer edge 107 a and the inner edge 107 bof the first belt 106. The first and second accessibility openings 802a, 802 b may also be positioned in the central region 106 c of the firstbelt 106 and may be positioned between the first longitudinal edge 128,the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102, and the firstlateral edge 144 of the chassis 102. In addition, a first fastenercomponent 707 a may be positioned adjacent the first accessibilityopening 802 a, and a second fastener component 707 a may be positionedadjacent the second accessibility opening 802 a. The first frangiblepathway 700 a comprises a first tear zone 813 a extending from the firstaccessibility opening 802 a to the first distal terminus 808 a and asecond tear zone 813 b extending from the first accessibility opening802 a to the first proximal terminus 810 a. The second frangible pathway700 b comprises a first tear zone 813 a extending from the secondaccessibility opening 802 b to the second distal terminus 808 b and asecond tear zone 813 b extending from the second accessibility opening802 b to the second proximal terminus 810 b. As discussed in more detailbelow, the accessibility opening 802 may help provide a caregiver orwearer access to and/or to grasp the fastener component 707 in the gripregion 801 with a finger or thumb. The caregiver or user may then pullon grip region 801 to begin tearing the first belt 106 on the frangiblepathway 700. In some configurations, tear lines may simultaneouslypropagate along the first tear zone 813 a and the second tear zone 813 blaterally outward from the central region 106 c of the first belt 106toward the distal terminus 808 and the proximal terminus 810. It is alsoto be appreciated that some diaper pants 100P herein may be configuredto include a frangible pathway 700 that extends through or around thefastener component 707 without an accessibility opening. In turn, a usermay pinch and/or pull the belt where the frangible pathway 700 islocated at or adjacent the fastener component 707 to initiate thetearing process along the frangible pathway 700.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the frangible pathways 700 may be configured toextend laterally inward from the from the distal terminus 808 and/or theproximal terminus 810. In turn, portions of the frangible pathway 700may extend to define an angle that is less than 90 degrees with respectto the outer edge 107 a and/or the inner edge 107 b of the first belt106. Thus, the frangible pathway may define an overall length that isgreater than a longitudinal length LT1 of the first belt 106 and/or thelongitudinal length LT2 of the second belt 108 discussed above withreference to FIGS. 2C-2E.

It is to be appreciated that grip regions 801 and accessibility openings802 may be located in various positions in the first end region 106 a,the second end region 106 b, and/or the central region 106 c of thefirst belt 106. Grip regions 801 and accessibility openings 802 may bepositioned between the first longitudinal side edge 111 a, the secondlongitudinal side edge 111 b, the outer edge 107 a, and the inner edge107 b of the first belt 106. For example, the first accessibilityopening 802 a and/or the second accessibility 802 b may be entirelylaterally positioned between the first longitudinal edge 128 and thesecond longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations,the first accessibility opening 802 a may be positioned laterallybetween the first longitudinal side edge 128 of the chassis 102 and thefirst longitudinal side edge 111 a of the first belt 106 and/or firstside seam 178. In some configurations, the second accessibility opening802 b may be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal sideedge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second longitudinal side edge 111 bof the first belt 106 and/or second side seam 180. In someconfigurations, the first accessibility opening 802 a and/or the secondaccessibility opening 802 b may be positioned longitudinally between thefirst lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102 and the inner edge 107 b ofthe first belt 106 and/or may be positioned longitudinally between thefirst lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102 and the outer edge 107 a ofthe first belt 106. In some configurations, the first accessibilityopening 802 a may extend across the first longitudinal edge 128 and/orthe first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102, and/or the secondaccessibility opening 802 b may extend across the second longitudinaledge 130 and/or the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102.

It is also be appreciated that accessibility openings 802 may be locatedin various positions relative to fastener components 707. For example,in some configurations, the accessibility opening 802 may be positionedlongitudinally between the fastener component 707 and the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the accessibilityopening 802 may be positioned longitudinally between the fastenercomponent 707 and the inner edge 107 b of the first belt 106. In someconfigurations, the accessibility opening 802 may be positionedlaterally inboard of the fastener component 707. It is also to beappreciated that more than one accessibility opening 802 may be locatedadjacent a fastener component 707. As discussed in more detail below,the accessibility opening 802 also be configured to extend partially orentirely through a fastener component 707 and may divide a fastenercomponent 707 into two or more parts.

As mentioned above, the accessibility opening 802 may comprise slitsand/or openings in the first belt 106 and may be curved and/or straight.It is to be appreciated that the accessibility openings 802 may also beoriented in various ways. For example, the accessibility opening 802 maybe generally oriented perpendicularly relative to the outer edge 107 aand/or the inner edge 107 b of the first belt 106. In someconfigurations, the accessibility opening 802 may be generally orientedparallel relative to the outer edge 107 a and/or the inner edge 107 b ofthe first belt 106. In some configurations, the accessibility opening802 may comprise a slit that extends along a line in a lateral directionto define an angle from about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees with respectto the outer edge 107 a and/or the inner edge 107 b of the first belt106, specifically reciting all 1 degree increments within theabove-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In someconfigurations, the accessibility opening 802 may define a lengthdimension in the range of about 5 mm to about 50 mm, specificallyreciting all 0.1 mm increments within the above-recited range and allranges formed therein or thereby.

As discussed above, the diaper pant 100P may include one or morefastener components 707 adapted to refastenably connect with at leastone other component of the diaper pant 100P in a disposal configuration.It is to be appreciated that the fastener components 707 may beconfigured in various shapes and sizes and may be located in variouspositions relative to other components of the diaper pant 100P. As shownin FIG. 7A, the fastener components 707 may comprise a lateralcenterline 126 d oriented substantially parallel to the lateralcenterline 126 a of the first elastic belt 106 and/or the lateralcenterline 126 b of the second elastic belt 108 and/or the lateralcenterline 126 c of the chassis 102. The fastener components 707 maycomprise a longitudinal centerline 124 d oriented substantially parallelto the longitudinal centerline 124 a of the first elastic belt 106and/or the longitudinal centerline 124 b of the second elastic belt 108and/or the longitudinal centerline 124 c of the chassis 102.

As shown in FIG. 7AA1, in some configurations, fastener components 707may be positioned on and connected with the wearer facing surface 115 bof the first elastic belt 106 and/or the second elastic belt 108 in aregion where the first elastic belt 106 and/or second elastic belt 108overlaps the chassis 102. In some configurations, the fastener component707 may be sandwiched between the second substrate 164 of the firstelastic belt 106 or the second elastic belt 108 and the backsheet 136 ofthe chassis 102. In some configurations, such as shown in FIG. 7AA1, thefastener component 707 comprises hooks 715 protruding from a base 717,and the hooks 715 extend from the first belt 106 toward the backsheet136. The fastener component 707 may be configured as a separate discreteelement that may be connected with the wearer facing surface 115 b ofthe first belt 106 in various ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 7AA1,adhesive 716 may connect the base 717 of the fastener component 707 withwearer facing surface 115 b of the first belt 106. It is to beappreciated that the fastener component 707 may be connected with thefirst belt 106 by mechanical bonding in addition to or instead ofadhesive. It is to be appreciated that the base 717 may be configured invarious ways. For example, the base 717 may comprise a thermoplasticfilm. In some configurations, the base 717 may comprise a laminate withvarious layers bonded together, such as disclosed for example in U.S.Patent Publication No. 2021/0045931 A1. For example, the base 717 maycomprise a thermoplastic film layer bonded with a nonwoven layer. It isto be appreciated that such layers may be bonded together in variousways, such as with adhesive, mechanical bonding, and/or extrusionbonding. In some configurations, the fastener component 707 may beintegrally formed from materials of the first belt 106, such as shownfor example in FIG. 7AA2, or may be integrally formed from materials andattached with the first belt.

As shown for example in FIG. 6B, a portion of the chassis 102 mayoverlap the inner wearer facing surface 115 b of the first belt 106 todefine a chassis overlap region 850. As such, the chassis overlap region850 may extend laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 and thesecond longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and longitudinallybetween the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102 and the inner edge107 b of the first belt 106. To help prevent contact of the fastenercomponent 707 with a wearer's skin while wearing the diaper pant 100P,the fastener components 707 may be positioned on and connected with thewearer facing surface 115 b of the first elastic belt 106 and/or thewearer facing surface 117 b of the second elastic belt 108 in thechassis overlap region 850 where the first elastic belt 106 and/orsecond elastic belt 108 overlaps the chassis 102. For example, thefastener component 707 may be sandwiched between the wearer facingsurface 115 b of the first belt 106 and the chassis 102. In someconfigurations, the fastener component 707 may be sandwiched between thesecond substrate 164 of the first elastic belt 106 or the second elasticbelt 108 and the backsheet 136 of the chassis 102. In someconfigurations, the fastener component 707 may be positioned laterallybetween the first longitudinal side edge 128 and the second longitudinalside edge 130 of the chassis 102. The fastener component 707 may also bepositioned longitudinally between the first lateral edge 144 of thechassis 102 and the inner edge 107 b of the first belt 106. As shown inFIG. 7A, the fastener component 707 may be positioned adjacent thefrangible pathway 700. The accessibility opening 802, which may beconsidered part of the frangible pathway 700, may be positioned adjacentthe fastener component 707. As such, the frangible pathway 700 maypartially surround the fastener component 707. In some configurations,such as shown in FIG. 7B, the frangible pathway 700 may extend throughthe fastener component 700, effectively dividing the fastener component707 into a first fastener part 707′ and a second fastener part 707″.

As discussed above, the backsheet 136 of the chassis 102 may comprise alaminate comprising a film layer and a nonwoven layer. In someconfigurations, the nonwoven layer may completely cover the film layerto define the garment facing surface 134 of the chassis 102. In someconfigurations, the nonwoven layer may partially cover the film layer,and as such, both the film layer and the nonwoven layer may define thegarment facing surface 134 of the chassis 102. For example, in someconfigurations, the film layer may extend entirely between the inneredge 107 b of the first belt 106 and the first lateral edge 144 of thechassis 102, and the nonwoven layer may also extend entirely between theinner edge 107 b of the first belt 106 and the first lateral edge 144 ofthe chassis 102 to completely cover the film layer and define thegarment facing surface 134 of the chassis 102 in the overlap region 850.

In some configurations, a portion of the nonwoven layer of the backsheet136 may be positioned between the fastener components 707 and the firstbelt 106. For example, as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 7AA1and 7AA2, the fastener component 707 may comprise hooks 715 that extendtoward the backsheet 136 of the chassis 102. As such, the hooks of thefastener component 707 may be releasably or refastenably connected withthe nonwoven layer of the backsheet 136. In some configurations, thehooks of the fastener component 707 may not be releasably orrefastenably connected with the film layer of the backsheet 136. In someconfigurations, the fastener component 707 may comprise a pressuresensitive adhesive instead of hooks, and as such, the pressure sensitiveadhesive may releasably connect the fastener component 707 with thebacksheet. In some configurations, such a pressure sensitive adhesivemay be configured to releasably or refastenably connect the first belt106 with a nonwoven layer and/or a film layer of the backsheet 136.

In another configuration shown in FIGS. 7C, 7D, and 7E, both thefrangible pathway 700 and the accessibility opening 802 may extendthrough the fastener component, effectively dividing the fastenercomponent 707 into a first fastener part 707′ and a second fastener part707′. The accessibility openings 802 shown in FIG. 7C may comprise slitsthat are generally oriented in a longitudinal direction. In addition,the accessibility opening 802 extends through the fastener component 707and may be positioned entirely within a perimeter of the fastenercomponent. It is to be appreciated that such slits may be straightand/or curved. In some configurations, a longitudinally extendingaccessibility opening 802 may define a length dimension in the range ofabout 10 mm to about 30 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm incrementswithin the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby.In addition, in some configurations, a longitudinally extendingaccessibility opening 802 may also be curved to extend laterally in therange of about 2 mm to about 20 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mmincrements within the above-recited range and all ranges formed thereinor thereby.

In another configuration shown in FIG. 7F, the diaper pant 100P maycomprise one fastener component 707 joined to the wearer facing surface115 b of the first belt 106 in a location overlapping the longitudinalcenterline 124 c of the chassis 102. The longitudinal centerline 124 dof the fastener component 707 may be coincident with, or in proximityof, the longitudinal centerline 124 c of the chassis 102. The frangiblepathway 700 may divide fastener component 707 into the first fastenercomponent 707 a and the second fastener component 707 b of substantiallysimilar size and geometry. An accessibility opening 802 may be disposedat, or in proximity of, a longitudinally inboard lateral edge of thefastener component 707. Longitudinally outboard the lateral edges of thefastener component 707, the frangible pathway 700 may extend inlongitudinal and lateral directions to the waist edge 121 and inner edge107 b of the first belt 106. A caregiver or wearer may access and graspthe fastener component 707 through the accessibility opening 802 andsubsequently separate the frangible pathway 700 into the first andsecond fastener components 707 a, 707 b.

As discussed above, the first elastic belt 106 and/or the second belt108 may be relatively easily torn along the frangible pathway 700, suchas when removing the diaper pant 100P from a wearer. As discussed belowwith reference to FIGS. 6A-6F, frangible pathway 700 may be configuredto allow a caregiver or wearer to initiate and/or completely tear thefirst belt 106 and/or the second belt 108 with one hand when removing adiaper pant 100P from a wearer. In addition, the first belt 106 may beseparable along the first frangible pathway 700 a and the secondfrangible pathway 700 b to define a first belt zone 831, a second beltzone 832, and a third belt zone 833 positioned laterally between thefirst and second belt zones 831, 832.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, when removing a diaper pant 100P froma wearer, a user may grab the first belt 106 in the grip region 801 byinserting one or more fingers and/or a thumb through the accessibilityopening 802 to grasp a portion of the first 106 and fastener component707. For example, with reference to FIGS. 6B and 6C, a caregiver mayinsert a finger or thumb through the first accessibility opening 802 aand grasp the first belt 106 and the first fastener component 707 a witha first hand. The caregiver's opposing second hand may be used to helpstabilize the wearer. For example, the caregiver's opposing second handmay apply a holding or stabilizing force to the wearer at the centralregion 106 c of the first belt 106. The user's first hand may then exerta pulling force F on the first grip region 801 a of the first belt 106outward away from the wearer to initiate a tearing of the first belt 106along the first frangible pathway 700 a, such as shown in FIG. 6C.

With continued reference to FIG. 6C, a force F generally represented byan arrow is applied to the first grip region 801 a in a directiongenerally toward the first end region 106 a of the first belt 106 and/oroutward away from the first belt 106 and the wearer. As the force F isapplied, a first tear line 705 a and a second tear line 705 b maysimultaneously propagate along the first tear zone 813 a and the secondtear zone 813 b, respectively. The first tear line 705 a may propagatefrom the first accessibility opening 802 a along the first tear zone 813a of the first frangible pathway 700 a in longitudinal and lateraldirections around the first fastener component 707 a and then in adirection D1 that is generally laterally and longitudinally outward fromthe central region 106 c of the first belt 106 and toward the firstdistal terminus 808 a in the first end region 106 a of the first belt106. Simultaneously, the second tear line 705 b may propagate from thefirst accessibility opening 802 a along the second tear zone 813 b ofthe first frangible pathway 700 a in a direction D2 that is generallylaterally outward and longitudinally inward from the central region 106c of the first belt 106 and toward the first proximal terminus 810 a inthe first end region 106 a of the first belt 106. Similar to the viewshown in FIG. 6C, FIG. 7E shows a front plan view of the diaper pant ofFIG. 7C as the first frangible pathway 700 a is being torn. As shown inFIG. 7E, the first fastener part 70T is separated from the secondfastener part 70T′ as the frangible pathway is torn.

As shown in FIG. 6D, the first belt 106 may be separable along the firstfrangible pathway 700 a to define a first belt zone 831. For example,the first belt zone 831 may be formed once the first tear line 705 apropagates through the first distal terminus 808 a and the second tearline 705 b propagates through to the first proximal terminus 810 a, thefirst belt zone 831 may be formed. As shown in FIG. 6D, a first edge 831a of the first belt zone 831 is formed by tearing the first frangiblepathway 700 a. In addition, a first edge 833 a of the third belt zone833, discussed in more detail below, is also formed by tearing the firstfrangible pathway 700 a. The first belt zone 831 may extend from thefirst edge 831 a of the first and second tear lines 705 a, 705 b to thefirst side seam 178 or the first longitudinal side edge 111 a of thefirst belt 106. In addition, the first belt zone 831 may include thefirst fastener component 707 a.

With the first belt zone 831 being defined by tearing the first belt 106along the first frangible pathway 700 a, a user may proceed to definethe second belt zone 832 by tearing the first belt 106 along the secondfrangible pathway 700 b. Referring now to FIGS. 6D and 6E, a caregivermay insert a finger or thumb through the second accessibility opening802 b and grasp the first belt 106 and the second fastener component 707b with a first hand. The caregiver's opposing second hand may be used tohelp stabilize the wearer. For example, the caregiver's opposing secondhand may apply a holding or stabilizing force to the wearer at thecentral region 106 c of the first belt 106. The user's first hand maythen exert a pulling force F on the second grip region 801 b of thefirst belt 106 outward away from the wearer to initiate a tearing of thefirst belt 106 along the second frangible pathway 700 b, such as shownin FIG. 6E.

With continued reference to FIG. 6E, a force F generally represented byan arrow is applied to the second grip region 801 b in a directiongenerally toward the second end region 106 b of the first belt 106and/or outward away from the first belt 106. As the force F is applied,a first tear line 705 a and a second tear line 705 b may simultaneouslypropagate along the first tear zone 813 a and the second tear zone 813b, respectively. The first tear line 705 a may propagate from the secondaccessibility opening 802 b along the first tear zone 813 a of thesecond frangible pathway 700 b in longitudinal and lateral directionsaround the second fastener component 707 b and then in a direction D1that is generally laterally and longitudinally outward from the centralregion 106 c of the first belt 106 and toward the second distal terminus808 b in the second end region 106 b of the first belt 106.Simultaneously, the second tear line 705 b may propagate from the secondaccessibility opening 802 b along the second tear zone 813 b of thesecond frangible pathway 700 b in a direction D2 that is generallylaterally outward and longitudinally inward from the central region 106c of the first belt 106 and toward the second proximal terminus 810 b inthe second end region 106 b of the first belt 106.

As shown in FIG. 6F, the first belt 106 may be separable along thesecond frangible pathway 700 b to define a second belt zone 832 and athird belt zone 833. For example, the second belt zone 832 may be formedonce the first tear line 705 a propagates through the second distalterminus 808 b and the second tear line 705 b propagates through to thesecond proximal terminus 810 b, the second belt zone 832 may be formed.As shown in FIG. 6F, a first edge 832 a of the second belt zone 832 isformed by tearing the second frangible pathway 700 b. In addition, asecond edge 833 b of the third belt zone 833 is also formed by tearingthe second frangible pathway 700 b. The second belt zone 832 may extendfrom the first edge 832 a of the first and second tear lines 705 a, 705b to the second side seam 180 or the second longitudinal side edge 111 bof the first belt 106. In addition, the second belt zone 832 may includethe second fastener component 707 b. The third belt zone 833 may extendlaterally between the first edge 833 a and the second edge 833 b and mayremain connected with the chassis 102. When completing the tearingoperation on the configuration shown in FIGS. 7C-7E, the first belt zone831 and the second belt zone 832 will include first fastener parts 70T,and the third belt zone 833 will include second fastener parts 707″separated from respective first fastener parts 707′ during the tearingof frangible pathways 700.

Although the tearing process is described above with reference to FIGS.6A-6F as tearing the first belt 106 along the first frangible pathway700 a before tearing the first belt along the second frangible pathway700 b, it is to be appreciated that the tearing of first belt 106 alongthe frangible pathways 700 may occur in various different orders and indifferent manners. For example, the first belt 106 may be torn alongsecond frangible pathway 700 b to define the second belt zone 832 beforetearing the first belt 106 along the first frangible pathway 700 a todefine the first belt zone 831. In another example, the first belt 106may be torn simultaneously along the first frangible pathway 700 a andthe second frangible pathway 700 b to define the first belt zone 831,the second belt zone 832, and the third belt zone 833.

Once the first belt 106 is torn along the frangible pathways 700 todefine the first belt zone 831, the second belt zone 832, and the thirdbelt zone 833, the diaper pant 100P may be removed from a wearer in amanner similar to that of a conventional taped diaper. After beingremoved from a wearer, the diaper pant 100P may be placed in a disposalconfiguration, such as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 5A and5B, by rolling and/or folding the chassis 102 onto itself in alongitudinal direction. The first belt zone 831 and the second belt zone832 may be used to further wrap the diaper pant 100P onto itself. Andthe fastener components 707 on the first belt zone 831 and the secondbelt zone 832 may be connected with another portion of the diaper pant100P to help maintain the diaper pant 100P in the disposalconfiguration.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, an absorbent article may comprise one ormore opening facilitation features 900 that may help a user successfullydetermine the location and/or function of the fastener component 707 andfrangible pathway 700 and/or successfully complete pant openingoperations. Such opening facilitation features 900 may comprise openingoperational indicia 902 and opening mechanical aids 904, andcombinations thereof. FIG. 8A is a front plan view of a diaper pant 100Pshowing opening facilitation features 900 generically represented byshaded areas, and FIG. 8B is a front plan view of a diaper pant 100Pshowing an example implementation of opening facilitation features 900.

As used herein, the term “opening operational indicium or indicia”generally refers to distinctive marks, colored regions, patterns, and/ortextures disposed on a disposable absorbent article on and/or adjacentan accessibility opening 802, a fastener component 707, and/or afrangible pathway 700 to provide a functional attribute. Particularly,the functional attribute includes providing a visual and/or tactileindication that facilitates a relatively easy intuitive ability tolocate an accessibility opening, a fastener component 707, and/or afrangible pathway 700 and/or separate a belt along frangible pathways700 on the disposable absorbent article 100 during wearer removal and/ordisposal.

Opening operational indicia 902 may include any visual or tactiledifferences or signals that enhance a user's ability to identify and/oruse components in the diaper pant 100P removal and/or disposal process.All examples herein should be considered non-limiting. In someconfigurations, the opening operational indicia 902 may comprise visualand/or tactile indication of the location of the accessibility opening802 and may be aligned with, or disposed in an adjacent or overlappingconfiguration with, the accessibility opening 802 along at least aportion of a length of the accessibility opening 802. In someconfigurations, an opening operational indicium 902 may be disposed onother portions of the first and/or second elastic belt 106, 108 or thebacksheet 136 of the chassis 102 non-adjacent the accessibility opening802 and may be accompanied by other opening operational indicia 902cognitively connecting the indicia to the location of the accessibilityopening 802. In some configurations, the opening operational indicia 902may be disposed: adjacent to or across the accessibility opening 802and/or frangible pathway 700; on the fastener component 707 or anymaterial affixed to the garment-facing side of the fastener component707; and/or on the first and/or second elastic belt 106, 108 or on thechassis 102. In some configurations, the opening operational indicia 902may be formed by mechanically altering the fastener component 707 insuch a way that forms or creates: relatively thinner and thickerportions; relatively higher and lower opacity regions; and/or physicalholes, separations, and/or slits that may be adapted to allow a color ortexture of materials directly beneath the fastener component 707 to beseen by a user, such as a caregiver. In some configurations, openingoperational indicia 902 may comprise printed indicia. As discussed abovewith reference to FIG. 2A, the first elastic belt 106 and/or the secondelastic belt 108 may be configured with low-stretch zones 701 andhigh-stretch zones 703. In some configurations, the low-stretch zones701 may comprises relatively less corrugations than the high-stretchzone 703, and thus may appear relatively flat. In some configurations,the opening operational indicia 902 may be located in low-stretch zonesto enhance visibility of the printed indicia.

In some configurations, a diaper pant 100P may comprise openingoperational indicia 902 that may comprise opening mechanical aid 906,which may be configured to help a user locate an accessibility opening802. In some configurations, an accessibility opening indicium 906 maybe a printed indicium that is printed on the first and/or second elasticbelt 106, 108; the fastener component 707; and/or the backsheet 136 ofthe chassis 102. In some configurations, an accessibility openingindicium 906 may include graphics, such as for example: a linear orcurvilinear representation of the accessibility opening 802; a geometricshape; a directional graphic such as arrows; anthropomorphic graphicssuch as hands, people and/or animals; alphanumeric text such asnumerals, letters and/or words; and/or any combination thereof, and/orany other graphic that may indicate the location of the accessibilityopening 802. The opening operational indicia 902 may also comprise oneor more regions of the first and/or second belt 106, 108, or componentmaterials having a texture or visually distinct area versus theremainder of the belt. For example, the garment-facing surface 117 a,117 b of the first and/or second belt 106, 108, such as the firstsubstrate 162 of the first and/or second belt 106, 108, may bemechanically deformed, bonded, and/or compressed to provide a visuallydistinct area that indicates to a user, such as a caregiver, thelocation of the accessibility opening 802.

In some configurations, a diaper pant 100P may comprise openingoperational indicia 902 that comprise frangible pathway guides 908,which may be configured to help a user, such as a caregiver, discernwhere separation should occur and/or provide guidance as to thedirection in which to pull. In some configurations, frangible pathwayguides 908 may provide visual and/or tactile indication of the locationof the frangible pathway 700 and may be aligned with and/or disposed inan adjacent and/or overlapping configuration with at least a portion ofthe frangible pathway 700. The frangible pathway guide 908 may indicatethe location and direction of the frangible pathway 700 to help guide auser in the complete separation of the first and/or second belt 106, 108along the frangible pathway 700. In some configurations, the frangiblepathway guide 908 may be disposed on a portion of the first and/orsecond belt 106, 108 and/or backsheet 136 of the chassis 102. In someconfigurations, the frangible pathway guide 908 may comprise a printedindicium that comprises a printed linear and/or curvilinearrepresentation of the frangible pathway 700 and/or may comprisedirectional graphics such as arrows and/or a series or array ofrelatively smaller graphics along the frangible pathway 700 indicatingthe direction in which the user may separate the frangible pathway 700.In some configurations, the frangible pathway guide 908 may comprise aportion of first and/or second belt materials or fibers of beltmaterials that are deformed, flattened, and/or mechanically altered in away that changes either the opacity and/or topography of the beltmaterial or belt fibers. For example, the frangible pathway guide 908may include a non-functional line of weakness positioned adjacent to thefrangible pathway, such that the non-functional line of weakness doesnot overlap or interfere with the function of the frangible pathway. Thenon-functional line of weakness may include a plurality of slitsdisposed in a vertical configuration or indicia including a plurality oflines oriented in a vertical direction, such as illustrate in FIG. 8C.In some configurations, the frangible pathway guide 908 may comprisemore than one type of indicium in parallel or series along at least aportion of the frangible pathway 700.

In some configurations, opening operational indicia 902 may comprise acombination of one or more accessibility opening indicium 906 andfrangible pathway guides 908, which may be physically separate from oneanother and/or different in kind or type, and/or may represent portionsof a relatively large opening operational indicia 902. For example, anaccessibility opening indicium 906 may include a color, width,intensity, and/or style that may be different from a color, width,intensity, and/or style of the frangible pathway guide 908. In someconfigurations, the accessibility opening indicium 906 may be visuallydistinct from and imply a temporal function order of priority versus thefrangible pathway guides 908. For example, a user's attention and actionmay be preferentially directed to the accessibility opening 802 to helpenable the initiation of the diaper pant opening, and secondarily, thefrangible pathway guides 908 may indicate to the user the direction ofthe frangible pathway tear propagation to help maximize the probabilityof the user to successfully open the diaper pant 100P.

In some configurations, opening operation indicia 902 may comprisetinting of the fastener component material or other means ofhighlighting the location of the fastener component 707. For example,the fastener component 707 may be printed and/or comprise materials ofvarious different colors such that the fastener component 707 may beexternally visible from outside the diaper pant 100P. The fastenercomponent 707 may have a color that is visible through any layers of thefirst and/or second belt 106, 108 on which the fastener component 707 islocated. As discussed above with reference to FIGS. 7B and 7D forexample, the accessibility opening 802 and/or the frangible pathway 700may extend through the fastener component 707. As such, a color of thefastener component 707 may be enhanced or highlighted along theaccessibility opening 802 and/or the frangible pathway 700, which inturn forms an opening operation indicia 902. The fastener component 707may appear visually to be a different color when viewing a first surfaceof the fastener component 707 from the outer-garment facing surface,such as illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7A-7D, and a second surface,opposite the first surface, of the fastener component 707 that isexposed upon tearing along the frangible pathway, such as illustrated inFIGS. 6D-6F, 7E, and 9A-9B. More specifically, one or more layers of thebelt may be disposed on the first surface of the fastener component 707resulting in the user visualizing the fastener component as being afirst color. Then, as the diaper pant is torn along the frangiblepathway, the second surface of the fastener component 707 becomesvisible to the user and is a second color, which is different than thefirst color. The difference between the first color and the second colormay be measured by determining the Delta E value as set forth in ASTM D2244-02, “Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances andColor Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates.” Thedifference between the Delta E value of the first surface and the secondsurface of the fastener component 707 may be from about 5 to about 70,or from about 5 to about 60, or from about 5 to about 50, specificallyreciting all 0.01 mm increments within the above-recited range and allranges formed therein or thereby. It is to be appreciated that theelastic belt 106, 108 and/or chassis 102 may include printing or otherindicia highlighting to a user the location, function, and/or usage ofthe fastener component 707.

As used herein, the term “externally visible”, as used in reference toan indicium associated with an article, refers to the ability of a humanviewer to visually discern the indicium with the unaided eye (acceptingstandard corrective lenses adapted to compensate for nearsightedness,farsightedness, or astigmatism) in standard lighting conditions from apoint of reference viewing the garment-facing surface of the articlewhile the article is held in a configuration wherein the garment-facingsurface is within the field of view. As used herein, “standard lightingconditions” refer to lighting conditions in which human vision operatesefficiently (e.g., the human eye is able to discern complex patterns,shading, and colors). Specifically, standard lighting conditions maycomprise at least one of the following: a) natural illumination asexperienced outdoors during daylight hours, b) the illumination of astandard 100 watt incandescent white light bulb at a distance of 2meters, or c) as defined by CIE D65 standard illuminate lighting at 800lux to a 1964 CIE standard observer.

In some configurations, opening operational indicia 902 may comprise abond or one or more bond patterns attaching the fastener component 707to the first and/or second belt 106, 108 that may be visually ortactilely distinct from the surrounding belt material. Such a bond orbond pattern may provide a user an indicium indicating the location ofthe fastener component 707 and/or a signal or a mechanical gripadvantage. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 8D and 8E, the bondpattern may include a first bond pattern comprising a plurality ofindividual bonds disposed in a grid-like pattern and a second bondpattern comprising a plurality of individual bonds disposed in agraphical representation, such as an arrow. It is to be appreciated theplurality of individual bonds may be disposed in any graphicalrepresentation that aids the user in how to interact with or operate thediaper pant. Examples of graphical representations include arrows,lines, bullseye, circles, buttons, hearts, bears, smiley faces, and thelike. The bond pattern may include one or more bonds have a differentcolor such that when viewing the outside of the diaper pant, the bondsmay be a different color than the remainder of the fastener component707 and/or the outer garment facing surface of the belt. It is to beappreciated that a different color includes differences in how light ordark a color appears when viewing the outside of the diaper pant. Theone or more bond patterns may also be used to impart texture to thefastening component making it visually distinct from other portions ofthe diaper pant. Additionally, the backsheet 136 of the chassis 102,such as a film layer, may be tinted or printed in a contrasting orcomplementary manner. A combination of tinting of the fastener component707; fastener component-to-belt bond pattern; and/or backsheet printingmay further accentuate the fastener component 707 location signal. Insome configurations, the first elastic belt 106 may comprise a region ofa relatively low opacity to help enhance the visibility of any indiciaor other printing disposed on the chassis 102.

The chassis 102 may comprise one or more opening facilitation features900, such as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. As previously discussed, afirst tear line 705 a and a second tear line 705 b may simultaneouslypropagate along the first tear zone 813 a and the second tear zone 813b, respectively. The first tear line 705 a may propagate from the firstaccessibility opening 802 a along the first tear zone 813 a of the firstfrangible pathway 700 a in longitudinal and lateral directions aroundthe first fastener component 707 a and then in a direction D1 that isgenerally laterally and longitudinally outward from the central region106 c of the first belt 106 and toward the first distal terminus 808 ain the first end region 106 a of the first belt 106. Simultaneously, thesecond tear line 705 b may propagate from the first accessibilityopening 802 a along the second tear zone 813 b of the first frangiblepathway 700 a in a direction D2 that is generally laterally outward andlongitudinally inward from the central region 106 c of the first belt106 and toward the first proximal terminus 810 a in the first end region106 a of the first belt 106. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, as the firsttear line 705 a and the second tear line 705 b propagate a portion ofthe chassis 102 is exposed to the user. This portion of the chassis 102that is exposed to the user may comprises one or more openingoperational indicia 902. The one or more opening operational indicia 902may comprise one or more visual and/or tactile indications that the useris opening the diaper pant in the intended manner. In someconfigurations, such as illustrated in FIG. 9B, the opening operationalindicia 902 may include indicia printed on the exposed portion of thechassis, such as the backsheet film. The indicia may include graphics,such as for example: a linear or curvilinear shape; a geometric shape; aprinted pattern; a directional graphic such as arrows; anthropomorphicgraphics such as hands, people and/or animals; alphanumeric text such asnumerals, letters and/or words; and/or any combination thereof, and/orany other graphic that may differentiate the exposed portion of thechassis from the remainder of the chassis and/or belt. In someconfigurations, such as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the opening operationalindicia 902 may include texture on the exposed portion of the chassis,such as the backsheet film. The texture may include an additionalsubstrate or material disposed on the exposed portion of the chassis ormay be formed from one or more existing layers of the chassis, such asthe backsheet film. The texture may include mechanically, such as byembossing, or chemically, such as by etching, the exposed portion of thechassis to visually depict, for example, patterns that elicit softness.The texture may include a three-dimensional pattern that is visuallyappealing to the user.

As discussed above, a diaper pant 100P may comprise one or more openingfacilitation features 900 that may comprise opening mechanical aids 904.Opening mechanical aids 904 may comprise any property or feature thatfacilitates the ability of a user to physically access the fastenercomponent 707 through the accessibility opening 802; securely grasp thefastener component 707; pull the fastener component 707 away from thechassis 102; and/or completely separate the frangible pathway 700 alongan entire length thereof to open the diaper pant 100P and free the beltzones for use in secure closing of a rolled, soiled diaper pant 100P fora hygienic disposal. In some configurations, opening mechanical aids 904may comprise aspects of the fastener component 707, such as for example:fastener component shape; fastener component physical properties such asthickness, stiffness, and/or coefficient of friction; and/or bondsconnecting the fastener component 707 to the first and/or second belt106, 108. In some configurations, opening mechanical aids 904 maycomprise properties of the first and/or second belt 106, 108; the size,shape and/or orientation of the accessibility opening 802; and/or anyseparate elements attached to the first and/or second belt 106, 108 orfastener component 707. Opening mechanical aids 904 may also includetactile properties, such as for example, physical bending of portions ofthe fastener component 707 to help facilitate both visual noticeabilityand location of the fastener component 707.

In some configurations, opening mechanical aids 904 may comprise afastener component 707 having a three-dimensional aspect. For example,such a three-dimensional aspect may comprise a configuration in which aportion of the fastener component 707 bends or curls away from the planeof the fastener component 707 and/or the plane of the first and/orsecond belt 106, 108 in a direction away from the wearer. A fastenercomponent 707 having a three-dimensional aspect may be more easilygrasped by a user. For example, if a portion of the accessibilityopening 802 becomes folded into, partially hidden, or otherwise locatedinside a wrinkle formed while the diaper pant 100P is being worn, thethree-dimensional aspect may provide a location to help aid a user tograsp the fastener component 707.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , a fastener component 707 may includea deformation in the form of a curl or a bend 709 that causes a distalend region 711 of the fastener component 707 to be displaced from aplaner region of the remainder of the fastener component 707 to form athree-dimensional aspect 713, which may be formed at or adjacent theaccessibility opening 802. In turn, a portion of the first belt 106and/or the distal end region 711 of the fastener component 707 mayprotrude outwardly from a plane of the garment facing surface 115 a ofthe first belt 106 by a distance PD. In some configurations, thedistance PD may be from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, specifically recitingall 0.1 mm increments within the above-recited range and all rangesformed therein or thereby. In some configurations, a length of thethree-dimensional aspect 713 may be from about 5 mm to about 20 mm,specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the above-recitedrange and all ranges formed therein or thereby. With continued referenceto FIG. 10 , the curl or bend 709 in the fastener component may alsodefine a bend angle BA. In configurations, the bend angle BA may be fromabout 1 degree to about 180 degrees, specifically reciting all 1 degreeincrements within the above-recited range and all ranges formed thereinor thereby. It is to be appreciated that a three-dimensional aspect 713may be formed in the fastener component 707 in various ways, such as by:mechanical deformation; mechanical bonding; bonding or deformations thatcoincide with the accessibility opening and in part follow the shape ofthe opening; thermal augmentation; the addition of glue or elastics overthe fastener, deforming the fastener component material by bonding thematerial or advancing the material over a curved surface while undertension; or any other means to impart a Z-direction elevationtransition. In some configurations, as well as defining an openingmechanical aid 904, the three-dimensional aspect 713 may also define anopening operational indicia 902 by, for example, casting a shadow fromambient lighting to make the accessibility opening 802 more visible.

In configurations wherein the opening mechanical aid is intended tofacilitate grasping and pulling of the fastener component 707 away fromthe chassis 102 and separating completely the frangible pathway 700, theopening mechanical aid 904 may comprise three-dimensional featuresand/or a relatively higher coefficient of friction on at least a portionof material of the fastener component 707 or material of first and/orsecond belt material to help provide a user a relatively more securegrip on the fastener component 707 and/or a mechanical advantage to helpsuccessfully pull the fastener component 707 to open the diaper pant100P. It is to be appreciated that three-dimensional features may beprovided in various forms, such as for example, protrusions,depressions, and/or holes in one or more layers. Three-dimensionalfeatures may be provided on the fastener component 707 and/or the firstand/or second belts 106, 108 in various ways, such as for example, by athree-dimensional bonding means and pattern of the fastener to theelastic belt, such as a thermal, ultrasonic or mechanical bond pattern.In some configurations, the fastener component 707 may be bondedcompletely through the thickness of the fastener component 707 from, forexample, the inner surface of the hooks, through the fastener material,and then to the inner surface material of the first and/or second belt106, 108. In some configurations, a bonding process may proceed from theouter surface of the first and/or second belt 106, 108, through thethickness of the belt, and then into the fastener component 707. In bothof such configurations, a three-dimensional mechanical opening aid maybe provided via the bond geometry and/or texture. In someconfigurations, an opening mechanical aid 904 may be provided by thedeposition of a material, such as a molten polymer or adhesive, onto thefastener component 707 or the first and/or second belt 106, 108, such asfor example, in a region comprising the fastener component 707 or in anadjacent region. In some configurations, a separate material piece maybe connected to the first and/or second belt in a region of the fastenercomponent 707 or an adjacent region by various means known in the art.

It is to be appreciated that diaper pants 100P may be packaged for salein either a physical or virtual store. As such, packages of the diaperpants 100P described herein may include artwork providing a user with anindication of the type of article enclosed therein, including the modesof removal and disposal features that may be enabled by the encloseddiaper pants. Pant removal and disposal features, such as fastenercomponents 707, accessibility openings 802, and frangible pathways 700and/or the way in which a user may use such features to remove a diaperpant 100P from a wearer and dispose of the diaper pant in a hygienicmanner may be shown, demonstrated, and/or implied by artwork on theexterior of the package. In some configurations, artwork may includetext, photos, drawings, and/or iconography. The artwork may indicate tousers, such as caregivers, the usage mode of the articles within thepackage. For example, a package containing diaper pants described hereinmay depict images of a diaper pant being removed from a wearer bygrasping the fastener and separating one or more frangible pathways 700while the wearer is in a standing or laying position or may depict thechanging process in a drawing or sketch form. In some configurations, apackage containing diaper pants may comprise an icon showing an openpant and/or the process of application or removal of said pant. Theartwork may additionally include a depiction of the disposal process,wherein a soiled diaper pant is rolled or folded, then wrapped withinseparated belt zones 831, 832 and fastened in such a configuration withthe fastener components 707. In some configurations, advertising mediamay comprise artwork indicating the mode of removal and disposal ofdiaper pants described herein.

Components of the absorbent articles described herein may at leastpartially be comprised of bio-based content as described in U.S. Pat.Appl. No. 2007/0219521 A1. For example, the superabsorbent polymercomponent may be bio-based via their derivation from bio-based acrylicacid. Bio-based acrylic acid and methods of production are furtherdescribed in U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2007/0219521 and U.S. Pat. Nos.8,703,450; 9,630,901 and 9,822,197. Other components, for examplenonwoven and film components, may comprise bio-based polyolefinmaterials. Bio-based polyolefins are further discussed in U.S. Pat.Appl. Pub. Nos. 2011/0139657, 2011/0139658, 2011/0152812, and2016/0206774, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,169,366. Example bio-based polyolefinsfor use in the present disclosure comprise polymers available under thedesignations SHA7260™, SHE150™, or SGM9450F™ (all available from BraskemS.A.).

An absorbent article component may comprise a bio-based content valuefrom about 10% to about 100%, from about 25% to about 100%, from about40% to about 100%, from about 50% to about 100%, from about 75% to about100%, or from about 90% to about 100%, for example, using ASTM D6866-10,method B.

Components of the absorbent articles described herein may be recycledfor other uses, whether they are formed, at least in part, fromrecyclable materials. Examples of absorbent article materials that maybe recycled are nonwovens, films, fluff pulp, and superabsorbentpolymers. The recycling process may use an autoclave for sterilizing theabsorbent articles, after which the absorbent articles may be shreddedand separated into different byproduct streams. Example byproductstreams may comprise plastic, superabsorbent polymer, and cellulosefiber, such as pulp. These byproduct streams may be used in theproduction of fertilizers, plastic articles of manufacture, paperproducts, viscose, construction materials, absorbent pads for pets or onhospital beds, and/or for other uses. Further details regardingabsorbent articles that aid in recycling, designs of recycle friendlydiapers, and designs of recycle friendly and bio-based componentdiapers, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2019/0192723,published on Jun. 27, 2019.

Test Methods Average Decitex (Average-Dtex)

The Average Decitex Method is used to calculate the Average-Dtex on alength-weighted basis for elastic fibers present in an entire article,or in a specimen of interest extracted from an article. The decitexvalue is the mass in grams of a fiber present in 10,000 meters of thatmaterial in the relaxed state. The decitex value of elastic fibers orelastic laminates containing elastic fibers is often reported bymanufacturers as part of a specification for an elastic fiber or anelastic laminate including elastic fibers. The Average-Dtex is to becalculated from these specifications if available. Alternatively, ifthese specified values are not known, the decitex value of an individualelastic fiber is measured by determining the cross-sectional area of afiber in a relaxed state via a suitable microscopy technique such asscanning electron microscopy (SEM), determining the composition of thefiber via Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and thenusing a literature value for density of the composition to calculate themass in grams of the fiber present in 10,000 meters of the fiber. Themanufacturer-provided or experimentally measured decitex values for theindividual elastic fibers removed from an entire article, or specimenextracted from an article, are used in the expression below in which thelength-weighted average of decitex value among elastic fibers present isdetermined.

The lengths of elastic fibers present in an article or specimenextracted from an article is calculated from overall dimensions of andthe elastic fiber pre-strain ratio associated with components of thearticle with these or the specimen, respectively, if known.Alternatively, dimensions and/or elastic fiber pre-strain ratios are notknown, an absorbent article or specimen extracted from an absorbentarticle is disassembled and all elastic fibers are removed. Thisdisassembly can be done, for example, with gentle heating to softenadhesives, with a cryogenic spray (e.g., Quick-Freeze, Miller-StephensonCompany, Danbury, CT), or with an appropriate solvent that will removeadhesive but not swell, alter, or destroy elastic fibers. The length ofeach elastic fiber in its relaxed state is measured and recorded inmillimeters (mm) to the nearest mm.

Calculation of Average-Dtex

For each of the individual elastic fibers f_(i) of relaxed length L_(i)and fiber decitex value d_(i) (obtained either from the manufacturer'sspecifications or measured experimentally) present in an absorbentarticle, or specimen extracted from an absorbent article, theAverage-Dtex for that absorbent article or specimen extracted from anabsorbent article is defined as:

${{Average} - {Dtex}} = \frac{\sum_{i = 1}^{n}\left( {L_{i} \times d_{i}} \right)}{\sum_{i = 1}^{n}L_{i}}$

where n is the total number of elastic fibers present in an absorbentarticle or specimen extracted from an absorbent article. TheAverage-Dtex is reported to the nearest integer value of decitex (gramsper 10 000 m).If the decitex value of any individual fiber is not known fromspecifications, it is experimentally determined as described below, andthe resulting fiber decitex value(s) are used in the above equation todetermine Average-Dtex.

Experimental Determination of Decitex Value for a Fiber

For each of the elastic fibers removed from an absorbent article orspecimen extracted from an absorbent article according to the proceduredescribed above, the length of each elastic fiber L_(k) in its relaxedstate is measured and recorded in millimeters (mm) to the nearest mm.Each elastic fiber is analyzed via FT-IR spectroscopy to determine itscomposition, and its density ρ_(k) is determined from availableliterature values. Finally, each fiber is analyzed via SEM. The fiber iscut in three approximately equal locations perpendicularly along itslength with a sharp blade to create a clean cross-section for SEManalysis. Three fiber segments with these cross sections exposed aremounted on an SEM sample holder in a relaxed state, sputter coated withgold, introduced into an SEM for analysis, and imaged at a resolutionsufficient to clearly elucidate fiber cross sections. Fiber crosssections are oriented as perpendicular as possible to the detector tominimize any oblique distortion in the measured cross sections. Fibercross sections may vary in shape, and some fibers may consist of aplurality of individual filaments. Regardless, the area of each of thethree fiber cross sections is determined (for example, using diametersfor round fibers, major and minor axes for elliptical fibers, and imageanalysis for more complicated shapes), and the average of the threeareas a_(k) for the elastic fiber, in units of micrometers squared(μm²), is recorded to the nearest 0.1 μm². The decitex d_(k) of the kthelastic fiber measured is calculated by:

d _(k)=10000 m×a _(k)×ρ_(k)×10⁻⁶

where d_(k) is in units of grams (per calculated 10,000 meter length),a_(k) is in units of μm², and ρ_(k) is in units of grams per cubiccentimeter (g/cm³). For any elastic fiber analyzed, the experimentallydetermined L_(k) and d_(k) values are subsequently used in theexpression above for Average-Dtex.

Average-Strand-Spacing

Using a ruler calibrated against a certified NIST ruler and accurate to0.5 mm, measure the distance between the two distal strands within asection to the nearest 0.5 mm, and then divide by the number of strandsin that section −1

Average-Strand-Spacing=d/(n−1) where n>1

report to the nearest 0.1 mm.

Average-Pre-Strain

The Average-Pre-Strain of a specimen are measured on a constant rate ofextension tensile tester (a suitable instrument is the MTS Insight usingTestworks 4.0 Software, as available from MTS Systems Corp., EdenPrairie, MN) using a load cell for which the forces measured are within1% to 90% of the limit of the cell. Articles are conditioned at 23°C.±2° C. and 50%±2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to analysis andthen tested under the same environmental conditions.

Program the tensile tester to perform an elongation to break after aninitial gage length adjustment. First raise the cross head at 10 mm/minup to a force of 0.05 N. Set the current gage to the adjusted gagelength. Raise the crosshead at a rate of 100 mm/min until the specimenbreaks (force drops 20% after maximum peak force). Return the cross headto its original position. Force and extension data is acquired at a rateof 100 Hz throughout the experiment.

Set the nominal gage length to 40 mm using a calibrated caliper blockand zero the crosshead. Insert the specimen into the upper grip suchthat the middle of the test strip is positioned 20 mm below the grip.The specimen may be folded perpendicular to the pull axis and placed inthe grip to achieve this position. After the grip is closed the excessmaterial can be trimmed. Insert the specimen into the lower grips andclose. Once again, the strip can be folded, and then trimmed after thegrip is closed. Zero the load cell. The specimen should have a minimalslack but less than 0.05 N of force on the load cell. Start the testprogram.

From the data construct a Force (N) verses Extension (mm). TheAverage-Pre-Strain is calculated from the bend in the curvecorresponding to the extension at which the nonwovens in the elastic areengaged. Plot two lines, corresponding to the region of the curve beforethe bend (primarily the elastics), and the region after the bend(primarily the nonwovens). Read the extension at which these two linesintersect and calculate the % Pre-Strain from the extension and thecorrected gage length. Record as % Pre-strain 0.1%. Calculate thearithmetic mean of three replicate samples for each elastomeric laminateand Average-Pre-Strain to the nearest 0.1%.

Combinations

A1. An absorbent article comprising: a chassis comprising a topsheet, abacksheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and thebacksheet, the chassis further comprising a first end region and asecond end region longitudinally separated from the first end region bya crotch region; a first belt comprising a first end region and a secondend region laterally separated from the first end region by a centralregion, the first end region of the chassis connected with the centralregion of the first belt, the first belt further comprising a laterallyextending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outeredge positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge, wherein thefirst belt further comprises an inner wearer facing surface and an outergarment facing surface; a second belt comprising a first end region anda second end region laterally separated from the first end region by acentral region, the second end region of the chassis connected with thecentral region of the second belt, wherein the first end region of thefirst belt is connected with the first end region of the second belt andthe second end region of the first belt is connected with the second endregion of the second belt to form a waist opening; a frangible pathwayin the first belt extending between a proximal terminus and a distalterminus; a fastener component connected with the inner wearer facingsurface of the first belt, the fastener component adapted torefastenably connect with at least one other component of the absorbentarticle; and an opening operational indicium adapted to facilitateindicate proper separation of the first belt along the frangiblepathway.

A2. The absorbent article according to paragraph A1, wherein the openingoperational indicium comprises a printed indicium selected from thegroup consisting of: an indicium printed on the fastener component; anindicium printed on the first belt; and an indicium printed on thechassis.

A3. The absorbent article according to paragraph A2, wherein the printedindicium comprises at least one of: a geometric shape, a directionalshape, an alphanumeric text, and an anthropomorphic shape.

A4. The absorbent article according to any of paragraphs A1 to A3,wherein the first comprises a low-stretch zone positioned laterallybetween high-stretch zones, and wherein the printed indicium is locatedin the low-stretch zone.

A5. The absorbent article according to any of paragraphs A1 to A4,further comprising an accessibility opening in the first belt, andwherein the first frangible pathway comprises a first tear zoneextending from the accessibility opening to the distal terminus, and asecond tear zone extending from the accessibility opening to theproximal terminus, and wherein the fastener component is adjacent theaccessibility opening.

A6. The absorbent article according to paragraph A5, wherein the openingoperational indicium is adapted to facilitate location of theaccessibility opening.

A7. The absorbent article according to paragraph A6, wherein the openingoperational indicium comprises a printed indicium comprising a printedaccessibility opening indicium and a printed frangible pathway guide.

A8. The absorbent article according to paragraph A7, wherein a color ofthe accessibility opening indicium is different from and visuallydistinct from a color of the printed frangible pathway guide.

A9. The absorbent article according to paragraph A7, wherein a printintensity and/or a lateral width of the printed accessibility openingindicium is greater than and visually distinct from the printedfrangible pathway guide.

A10. The absorbent article according to any of paragraphs A5 to A9,wherein the accessibility opening and/or the frangible pathway extendthrough the fastener component, and wherein a color of the fastenercomponent is enhanced along the accessibility opening and/or thefrangible pathway to form at least a portion of the opening operationindicia.

A11. The absorbent article according to any of paragraphs A1 to A10,wherein the opening operational indicium comprises a color of thefastener component that is distinct from a color of the belt and a colorof the chassis.

A12. The absorbent article according to any of paragraphs A1 to A11,wherein the opening operational indicium comprises a three-dimensionalbond pattern connecting the fastener component with the first belt.

A13. The absorbent article according to any of paragraphs A1 to A12,wherein the opening operational indicium comprises a molten or solidmaterial disposed on at least one of the fastener component, the firstbelt, and the chassis.

A14. The absorbent article according to any of paragraphs A1 to A13,further comprising at least two opening operational indicium arranged inseries.

A15. The absorbent article according to any of paragraphs A1 to A14,wherein the opening operational indicium indicates a temporal function.

A16. The absorbent article according to any of paragraphs A1 to A15,wherein the opening operational indicium is externally visible fromoutside the first belt.

A17. The absorbent article according to any of paragraphs A1 to A16,wherein the opening operational indicium is positioned adjacent to oroverlapping with the frangible pathway.

B1. An absorbent article comprising: a chassis comprising a topsheet, abacksheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and thebacksheet, the chassis further comprising a first end region and asecond end region longitudinally separated from the first end region bya crotch region; a first belt comprising a first end region and a secondend region laterally separated from the first end region by a centralregion, the first end region of the chassis connected with the centralregion of the first belt, wherein the first belt further comprises aninner wearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface; asecond belt comprising a first end region and a second end regionlaterally separated from the first end region by a central region, thesecond end region of the chassis connected with the central region ofthe second belt, wherein the first end region of the first belt isconnected with the first end region of the second belt and the secondend region of the first belt is connected with the second end region ofthe second belt to form a waist opening; a frangible pathway in thefirst belt extending between a proximal terminus and a distal terminus;a fastener component connected with the inner wearer facing surface ofthe first belt adjacent the accessibility opening, the fastenercomponent adapted to refastenably connect with at least one othercomponent of the absorbent article; and an opening mechanical aidadapted to at least one of: facilitate access to the fastener component;grasp the fastener component; pull the fastener component away from thechassis; and separate the first belt along the frangible pathway.

B2. The absorbent article according to paragraph B1, wherein the openingmechanical aid is selected from a group consisting of: a material with ahigher coefficient of friction than the surrounding material and athree-dimensional pattern.

B3. The absorbent article according to paragraph B2, wherein thethree-dimensional bond pattern is defined by bonds that connect thefastener component with the first belt.

B4. The absorbent article according to any of paragraphs B1 to B3,wherein the opening mechanical aid is positioned adjacent to oroverlapping with the fastening component.

C1. An absorbent article comprising: a chassis comprising a topsheet, abacksheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and thebacksheet, the chassis further comprising a first end region and asecond end region longitudinally separated from the first end region bya crotch region; a first belt comprising a first end region and a secondend region laterally separated from the first end region by a centralregion, the first end region of the chassis connected with the centralregion of the first belt, wherein the first belt further comprises aninner wearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface; asecond belt comprising a first end region and a second end regionlaterally separated from the first end region by a central region, thesecond end region of the chassis connected with the central region ofthe second belt, wherein the first end region of the first belt isconnected with the first end region of the second belt at a first sideseam and wherein the second end region of the first belt is connectedwith the second end region of the second belt at a second side seam toform a waist opening; a frangible pathway in the first belt extendingbetween a proximal terminus and a distal terminus; a fastener componentconnected with the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt;wherein the first belt is separable along the frangible pathway todefine a first belt zone and a second belt zone, wherein the first beltzone is laterally between the first side seam and the second belt zone,and wherein the fastener component is adapted to refastenably connectthe first belt zone with at least one other component of the absorbentarticle in a disposal configuration; and at least one openingfacilitation feature located on at least one of the fastener component,the chassis, and the first belt.

C2. The absorbent article according to paragraph C1, wherein the atleast one opening facilitation feature comprises: an opening operationalindicium adapted to indicate proper separation of the first belt alongthe frangible pathway; and an opening mechanical aid adapted to at leastone of: facilitate access to the fastener component; grasp the fastenercomponent; pull the fastener component away from the chassis; andseparate the first belt along the frangible pathway.

C3. The absorbent article according to paragraph C2, wherein the openingoperational indicium and the opening mechanical aid comprise athree-dimensional pattern.

C4. The absorbent article according to paragraph C3, wherein thethree-dimensional pattern is defined by bonds that connect the fastenercomponent with the first belt

C5. The absorbent article according to any of paragraphs C1 to C4,wherein the at least one opening facilitation feature comprises openingmechanical aid defined by a three-dimensional aspect formed by a bend inthe fastener component.

C6. The absorbent article according to paragraph C5, wherein a distalend region of the fastener component protrudes outwardly from thegarment facing surface of the first belt.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application and any patent application or patent to which thisapplication claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests, or discloses any such invention.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An absorbent article comprising: a chassiscomprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positionedbetween the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis further comprising afirst end region and a second end region longitudinally separated fromthe first end region by a crotch region; a first belt comprising a firstend region and a second end region laterally separated from the firstend region by a central region, the first end region of the chassisconnected with the central region of the first belt, the first beltfurther comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterallyextending outer edge, the outer edge positioned longitudinally outwardof the inner edge, wherein the first belt further comprises an innerwearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface; a second beltcomprising a first end region and a second end region laterallyseparated from the first end region by a central region, the second endregion of the chassis connected with the central region of the secondbelt, wherein the first end region of the first belt is connected withthe first end region of the second belt and the second end region of thefirst belt is connected with the second end region of the second belt toform a waist opening; a frangible pathway in the first belt extendingbetween a proximal terminus and a distal terminus; a fastener componentconnected with the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt, thefastener component adapted to refastenably connect with at least oneother component of the absorbent article; and an opening operationalindicium adapted to facilitate indicate proper separation of the firstbelt along the frangible pathway.
 2. The absorbent article of claim 1,wherein the opening operational indicium comprises a printed indiciumselected from the group consisting of: an indicium printed on thefastener component; an indicium printed on the first belt; and anindicium printed on the chassis.
 3. The absorbent article of claim 2,wherein the printed indicium comprises at least one of: a geometricshape, a directional shape, an alphanumeric text, and an anthropomorphicshape.
 4. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the first comprisesa low-stretch zone positioned laterally between high-stretch zones, andwherein the printed indicium is located in the low-stretch zone.
 5. Theabsorbent article of claim 1, further comprising an accessibilityopening in the first belt, and wherein the first frangible pathwaycomprises a first tear zone extending from the accessibility opening tothe distal terminus, and a second tear zone extending from theaccessibility opening to the proximal terminus, and wherein the fastenercomponent is adjacent the accessibility opening.
 6. The absorbentarticle of claim 5, wherein the opening operational indicium is adaptedto facilitate location of the accessibility opening.
 7. The absorbentarticle of claim 6, wherein the opening operational indicium comprises aprinted indicium comprising a printed accessibility opening indicium anda printed frangible pathway guide.
 8. The absorbent article of claim 7,wherein a color of the accessibility opening indicium is different fromand visually distinct from a color of the printed frangible pathwayguide.
 9. The absorbent article of claim 7, wherein a print intensityand/or a lateral width of the printed accessibility opening indicium isgreater than and visually distinct from the printed frangible pathwayguide.
 10. The absorbent article of claim 5, wherein the accessibilityopening and/or the frangible pathway extend through the fastenercomponent, and wherein a color of the fastener component is enhancedalong the accessibility opening and/or the frangible pathway to form atleast a portion of the opening operation indicia.
 11. The absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the opening operational indicium comprises acolor of the fastener component that is distinct from a color of thebelt and a color of the chassis.
 12. The absorbent article of claim 1,wherein the opening operational indicium comprises a three-dimensionalbond pattern connecting the fastener component with the first belt. 13.An absorbent article comprising: a chassis comprising a topsheet, abacksheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and thebacksheet, the chassis further comprising a first end region and asecond end region longitudinally separated from the first end region bya crotch region; a first belt comprising a first end region and a secondend region laterally separated from the first end region by a centralregion, the first end region of the chassis connected with the centralregion of the first belt, wherein the first belt further comprises aninner wearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface; asecond belt comprising a first end region and a second end regionlaterally separated from the first end region by a central region, thesecond end region of the chassis connected with the central region ofthe second belt, wherein the first end region of the first belt isconnected with the first end region of the second belt and the secondend region of the first belt is connected with the second end region ofthe second belt to form a waist opening; a frangible pathway in thefirst belt extending between a proximal terminus and a distal terminus;a fastener component connected with the inner wearer facing surface ofthe first belt adjacent the accessibility opening, the fastenercomponent adapted to refastenably connect with at least one othercomponent of the absorbent article; and an opening mechanical aidadapted to at least one of: facilitate access to the fastener component;grasp the fastener component; pull the fastener component away from thechassis; and separate the first belt along the frangible pathway. 14.The absorbent article of claim 13, wherein the opening mechanical aid isselected from a group consisting of: a material with a highercoefficient of friction than the surrounding material and athree-dimensional pattern.
 15. The absorbent article of claim 14,wherein the three-dimensional bond pattern is defined by bonds thatconnect the fastener component with the first belt.
 16. The absorbentarticle of claim 13, wherein the opening mechanical aid is positionedadjacent to or overlapping with the fastening component.
 17. Anabsorbent article comprising: a chassis comprising a topsheet, abacksheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and thebacksheet, the chassis further comprising a first end region and asecond end region longitudinally separated from the first end region bya crotch region; a first belt comprising a first end region and a secondend region laterally separated from the first end region by a centralregion, the first end region of the chassis connected with the centralregion of the first belt, wherein the first belt further comprises aninner wearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface; asecond belt comprising a first end region and a second end regionlaterally separated from the first end region by a central region, thesecond end region of the chassis connected with the central region ofthe second belt, wherein the first end region of the first belt isconnected with the first end region of the second belt at a first sideseam and wherein the second end region of the first belt is connectedwith the second end region of the second belt at a second side seam toform a waist opening; a frangible pathway in the first belt extendingbetween a proximal terminus and a distal terminus; a fastener componentconnected with the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt;wherein the first belt is separable along the frangible pathway todefine a first belt zone and a second belt zone, wherein the first beltzone is laterally between the first side seam and the second belt zone,and wherein the fastener component is adapted to refastenably connectthe first belt zone with at least one other component of the absorbentarticle in a disposal configuration; and at least one openingfacilitation feature located on at least one of the fastener component,the chassis, and the first belt.
 18. The absorbent article of claim 17,wherein the at least one opening facilitation feature comprises: anopening operational indicium adapted to indicate proper separation ofthe first belt along the frangible pathway; and an opening mechanicalaid adapted to at least one of: facilitate access to the fastenercomponent; grasp the fastener component; pull the fastener componentaway from the chassis; and separate the first belt along the frangiblepathway.
 19. The absorbent article of claim 18, wherein the openingoperational indicium and the opening mechanical aid comprise athree-dimensional pattern.
 20. The absorbent article of claim 17,wherein the at least one opening facilitation feature comprises openingmechanical aid defined by a three-dimensional aspect formed by a bend inthe fastener component.